MOMBASA, Kenya — Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has appointed former aide to opposition leader Raila Odinga, Maurice Ogeta, as the county’s Adviser on Security Affairs, in a move that reflects shifting political and administrative priorities ahead of the 2027 general election cycle.
The appointment follows the establishment of the advisory position by the Mombasa County Public Service Board, and is aligned with legal provisions governing county executive functions, the governor said in a statement.
In announcing the decision, Governor Nassir cited Ogeta’s extensive experience and deep institutional knowledge, gained through service at local, regional and global levels.
“I have today made appointments in the Executive Office of the Governor following the establishment of positions by the Mombasa County Public Service Board, in line with the provisions of the law. Mr. Maurice Ogeta has been appointed to serve as Advisor, Security Affairs in the County Government of Mombasa,” the Governor said.
“This appointment is informed by his many years of experience and deep institutional knowledge built at local, regional and global levels, including his service to our late Founding Party Leader, H. E. Raila Odinga, C.G.H,” he added.
In the same statement, Nassir appointed Ken Ambani as Adviser on Creative Arts, a strategic role designed to revitalise Mombasa’s creative economy.
“I have also appointed Ken Ambani as my Advisor on Creative Arts. His wealth of knowledge and first-hand experience in the sector will be instrumental as we work to revive and grow the creative industry in Mombasa for the benefit of our artists, youth and the wider economy,” the governor said.
Political and economic context
The new appointments come at a time when county governments across Kenya are prioritising both security coordination and economic diversification.
Mombasa, a commercial and cultural hub on the Indian Ocean coastline, has been developing policies to attract investment, support creative industries and strengthen public safety frameworks.
Ogeta’s role as security adviser is expected to focus on strategic oversight, policy coordination with national security organs and community policing initiatives.
His history as a senior political operative and his prior proximity to Raila Odinga, a central figure in Kenyan politics, enhance his visibility within Mombasa’s civic landscape.
Ambani’s creative arts portfolio arrives against the backdrop of renewed efforts by the national government and county authorities to nurture talent, formalise creative enterprises and integrate arts into broader economic planning.
Wider discussions on Ogeta’s future
The development follows recent comments by former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria, who expressed support for Ogeta’s transition into business leadership.
Speaking in December at Ogeta’s Uyoma home in Siaya County, Kuria said he backed efforts to help Ogeta establish a VIP protection and training company, framing the idea as a way to institutionalise his professional experience.
“I think Morris should impact other people. That is what Baba would have wanted,” Kuria said, referring to Raila Odinga.
“If Baba would come back to find Morris serving as bodyguard to a small person like Moses Kuria, Baba would be upset. Nobody that I know deserves Morris Ogeta, not one person,” he added.
Also Read: Maurice Ogeta: The loyal bodyguard who walked beside Raila Odinga until his death
Kuria argued that it would be inappropriate for Ogeta to return to individual bodyguard roles, suggesting instead that his expertise be marshalled to benefit a larger group through formalised VIP protection services.
“I didn’t tell him what to do, I asked him what he wants to do and he told me,” Kuria said, explaining that the decision followed mutual discussions about Ogeta’s future aspirations.
Looking ahead
Ogeta’s new advisory appointment places him at the intersection of county security planning and broader national political currents.
Observers say his role could bridge grassroots coordination with national policy debates, while Ambani’s appointment highlights an increased focus on the creative economy as a source of employment and cultural identity.
As both men take up their respective roles, stakeholders will be watching how their influence shapes Mombasa’s security architecture and creative sector growth in the coming months.
