Raila: George Oduor was more than my bodyguard

Rosemary Odinga views the body of the late George Nyang'ira Odour, who was ODM leader Raila Odinga's long-serving bodyguard, during a requiem mass at House of Grace Church in Nairobi, on April 10, 2025. [Edward Kiplimo, Standard] Loyalty, honesty, and trustworthiness endeared George Nyangira Oduor to Raila Odinga's family, and he eventually became one of their own. In an emotional tribute to Oduor, who served as Raila's security aide for 30 years, the Odinga family mourned the loss of a man they regarded as a member of their family. After hiring Oduor as his bodyguard in 1995, following the death of his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Raila said that Oduor's impeccable character won him over. Oduor died on April 2, at Nairobi West Hospital after a short illness. Raila said he chose Oduor for his loyalty, honesty, and the trust he had in him, particularly with sensitive matters such as money, documents, and information. "He stopped being an employee and became an integral part of our family... He was honest, trustworthy, reliable, and focused," said Winnie Odinga. The close relationship Oduor had with the Odinga family was evident in the intimate family photos he shared with them, displayed on various occasions. "He was like a family member. He coordinated all of us. He was a brother. We will surely miss him," said Rosemary Odinga. Raila reflected on the ups and downs he went through with Oduor. The ODM leader remarked that Oduor was always there during testing moments in his political career. Raila recalled first meeting Oduor when he was part of the youth team in the Forum for the Restoration of Democracy (FORD), which provided security for Oginga Odinga. Oduor officially became his bodyguard in 1995. For Raila, it was Oduor's calmness, professionalism, and unwavering composure during frequent confrontations with the authorities-which became part of their lives-that set him apart from others. "The traits that would define his time with us clearly emerged then: restrained but firm with the crowd, respectful to people, and calm under extreme pressure or provocation," Raila said. He added that, in Oduor, he found a confidant who could safeguard his secrets as he navigated the turbulent world of opposition politics, which was marred by chaos and brutality. Raila became so close to Oduor that he took him along on his trips across the globe and even organised training opportunities for him. "I secured training opportunities for George in South Africa and Israel. Each of the institutions he attended gave him high commendations at the end of the courses," Raila said. "He therefore turned out to be a man of great vigilance, a cornerstone of my security operations, with meticulous attention to detail," he added. "Even when his health sometimes faltered, he insisted on pulling himself up and showing up for work," Raila said. Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi remembered Oduor as someone who maintained his calm demeanor even during the most trying times. Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna described Oduor as a gentle and courteous individual who treated everyone equally and allowed anyone who wished to access Raila. "He guided us on which side to walk on and taught us about protocol," Sifuna shared. Other politicians who paid tribute to Oduor included Mark Mwenje (Embakasi West), Otiende Amolo (Rarieda), Babu Owino (Embakasi East), and Tim Wanyonyi (Westlands). Oduor's influence extended beyond politics, as he also supported many people in need. His colleagues remembered him as a loyal, humble, and respectful comrade, with "unique compassion" to recognise them even while serving in high office, a trait that remains a hallmark of his memory. "Whatever I learnt from George is far more valuable than what I learnt in training," one of his colleagues shared. George died while serving as a police Inspector Reservist in the National Police Service, a position he had held since 2009. Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, eulogised him as a "dedicated patriot who served with honour." Oduor will be laid to rest on April 12, at his home village in Rarieda Constituency, Siaya County.

Raila: George Oduor was more than my bodyguard

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