From Jaramogi to Raila: George Oduor's lifelong dedication to the Odinga family

ODM Party Leader Raila Odinga with his Personal Security bodyguard George Oduor(right) during a past rally at Kamukunji Ground in Nairobi. [Boniface Okendo, Standard] If he was to write a book, it would probably be a bestseller, with the face of Kenya's liberation movement struggle. For over three decades, George Oduor, an aide to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga saw it all, leaving behind a legacy of solid personal achievements in the country's history. He was the gentle but hawk-eyed giant who gave it all to protect one of the country's most decorated political assets, Raila Odinga. He was a loyal servant who was always beside the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader in good and bad times. So dedicated was Oduor in his role as Raila's bodyguard that he was among the security officers who would take a bullet for the ODM leader during the days of upheavals with past political regimes. This could have been the man to unveil the lid on some of Raila's best kept secrets. The most painful moments, Raila's mood during the trying political moments and his private conversations leading to significant and historic political moments in the country. He was by Raila's side when the ODM leader lost his first election in 1997, and when he lost four others. He was there when the ODM leader became the country's Prime Minister and he was the constant figure when hails of bullets and teargas canisters hurled by past regimes targeted his boss. And leading scores who joined in paying tributes to the fallen hero, Raila remembered his longtime aide and bodyguard, Oduor, as a loyal and dedicated professional. Odinga described Oduor, who had been with the Jaramogi family since the late 1980s, as vigilant, calm, confident, and highly professional. ''I will miss George, and I am sorry to the myriad friends who miss him already. To his wife, Carol, entire family, colleagues, and friends, I offer Mama Ida's and the entire Jaramogi family's sincere condolences for this devastating loss,'' Odinga said. Oduor died on Wednesday while undergoing treatment at a Nairobi hospital. He will be buried at his home in Ndori, Bondo, Siaya County, on Saturday, April 12. Nairobi Senator and ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna joined in the tributes eulogising Oduor as a courageous man, noting that serving as Odinga's bodyguard was no easy task. "George Oduor did it with quiet grace and steadfast dedication. Back when I was new in Mzee's circles, I would never have got the hang of things were it not for George's guidance. See, you can't just 'be around' Mzee. It isn't very easy and I will always be grateful to George for holding my hand. May his soul rest in peace,'' Sifuna wrote on X. Internal Security and National Administration Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said he had known Oduor since 2006 and praised his integrity and commitment. "George embodied honesty, reliability, and quiet strength. He approached his responsibilities with admirable diligence and an unwavering sense of duty," Omollo said. Siaya Governor James Orengo described Oduor as a composed professional who never wavered under the pressures of political life. "George tolerated all the fuss that came with being around politics, always sober and never lost his mind. He was the true gentleman of VIP protection. He was exactly who we needed at the most challenging and trying moments,'' Orengo said. Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung'aro also expressed his sympathies. "I extend my sincere condolences to Oduor's family and friends during this difficult time. Most importantly, I offer my deepest sympathies to Baba for the loss of such an exceptional individual," Mung'aro said. Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi termed Oduor an inspiration. "George's commitment to the liberation movement was an inspiration to many. Rest in peace, comrade," Wandayi wrote. ''Upon viewing my friend Georgie's body at the morgue this morning, I broke down uncontrollably. The pain was too much. The last time I broke down like this was in January 2018 when my father Justus George Etale died," ODM Communications Director Philip Etale said. Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Hassan Joho also condoled with Oduor's family. He remembered him for his loyalty. ''George was more than just a patriot, he was a man of integrity whose unwavering commitment and loyalty positively impacted many lives. Indeed, his departure leaves an indescribable void for everyone fortunate enough to have interacted with him,'' said Joho, adding: ''In moments like this, words often fail to capture the depth of our loss. Yet, we find solace in his rich legacy of humility, kindness and selfless service that will forever resonate in our hearts,'' Joho said. The Orange Democratic Party (ODM) fraternity remembered Oduor, the longest-serving aide to the Party Leader Raila as a respectful, social and professional security officer. ''My thoughts and prayers are with George's family, and all those mourning his passing,'' Mombasa County Woman Representative Zamzam Mohammed posted. Kapseret Constituency Member of Parliament Oscar Sudi celebrated the life of Oduor saying he stood as a devoted aide, a steadfast protector, and loyal friend to Odinga. ''My heartfelt condolences go to his family, friends, and above all, to Baba, who has lost an irreplaceable pillar of trust and dedication. George's legacy of service and loyalty will forever be remembered,'' said Sudi. Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga noted that George embodied loyalty, dedication and thoroughness in a way she said very few ever have. ''His unwavering service to Baba was remarkable and unmatched. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends, as well as to Baba, during this difficult time of loss,'' Posted Wanga on her X page. Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir remembered him as a person of great integrity, quiet strength, and unwavering commitment adding that their friendship was out of his values. ''His passing is a deep loss, not only to his family and friends but to all who had the privilege of knowing him. In moments like these, words often fall short, but we take solace in the rich legacy he leaves behind: one of kindness, service, and enduring friendship," said Nassir. Oduor's relationship with the Odinga family is deep and started long before multipartyism. His journey with the family started in the late 1980s when Raila's father Jaramogi Oginga Odinga picked him to be part of his security detail. Later, after the death of Jaramogi in 1994, Oduor joined Raila and has been a loyal servant ever since. But beyond his work of protecting one of the country's most powerful political figures, Oduor cut the figure of a kind and generous man. He was like the gate-pass to accessing Raila. In Raila's circles, he played a similar role to that of Farouk Kibet with President William Ruto, albeit with a scoop of kindness. This, perhaps, explains why the influx of testimonies from leaders, ardent ODM supporters and Raila's close circles were full of praises for a man who allowed them to access Raila with ease.

From Jaramogi to Raila: George Oduor's lifelong dedication to the Odinga family

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