For many, he was humble and soft-spoken, but to those who stood with him in the trenches, George Oduor Nyang’ira—former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s private security detail—was a no-nonsense yet dependable soldier when it came to battle.
Mr Oduor, who passed away on Wednesday afternoon at a Nairobi hospital, was known for his deep commitment to his job, exemplifying loyalty by putting his life on the line not just for Mr Odinga, but also for the former premier’s father and Kenya’s first Vice President, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.
George Oduor at a past event.
Photo credit: Francis Nderitu | Nation Media Group
Behind his tough exterior was a gentle giant who bore the scars of battle—an attribute shared by many of his peers who fought for Kenya’s multi-party democracy.
His death has hit them so hard that they have broken their long-held unwritten ‘oath’ of silence, not just to eulogise their comrade but also to shed light on the nature of their work and the privilege of serving as part of Mr Odinga’s most loyal aides.
To them, the decades they dedicated to the Odinga family have made it impossible to switch loyalties or take on other clients—they have, over time, become family.
These men were part of the Agip 92 Second Liberation team, a group that sacrificed their lives to protect Kenya’s first vice president and later his son Raila and his siblings.
The name Agip 92 refers to those who operated around Agip House in Nairobi, offering security to Jaramogi in the 1990s.
According to Oduor’s confidants and comrades, they were so fiercely protective of their leader that even police officers assigned to Jaramogi were relegated to guarding him from a distance.
The Nation traced some of the people who worked with Mr Oduor for over 30 years—first as youth loyal to Jaramogi and later as dedicated security for Mr Odinga.
George Oduor (circled), a long-serving bodyguard of ODM leader Raila Odinga.
Photo credit: Francis Nderitu | Nation Media Group
Interviewing them was no easy task, as they remained guarded about sensitive security details and were cautious about how the story would be told to avoid any risks to their safety or damage to the Odinga family’s reputation.
Our journey led us to Kondele Ward, Kisumu County, where we met 66-year-old Chrisantus Arara.
A broad smile beneath his Chaplin-like moustache greeted us as he welcomed us into his home. But as he began to narrate his life with Oduor, his expression quickly turned sombre.
Chrisantus Arara reminisces about moments shared with the late George Oduor, the dedicated bodyguard of ODM party leader Raila Odinga.
Photo credit: Alex Odhiambo| Nation Media Group
Arara and Oduor met in 1992 when Jaramogi led Ford Kenya. Among their peers were James Orengo (now Siaya Governor), Opiyo Wandayi (Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum), former Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong, Audi Ogada, South East Nyakach MCA Patrick Lumumba Owade, Fred Agunyo, Otieno Aura, and Obong’o Obong’o, among others.
“We met when things were tough in this country, but Oduor sacrificed his life for Mr Odinga. He was fearless and dedicated to his work. His stern face earned him the nickname Sura Mbaya . When we are on duty, we don’t joke because our job is to protect Mr Odinga—nothing else. That often puts us in conflict with leaders and even the media,” said Mr Arara.
He said that Oduor had undergone extensive paramilitary and VIP protection training in South Africa, the United States and Israel.
After Jaramogi’s death in 1994, the Odinga family absorbed the team, and Arara was assigned to Dr Oburu Oginga, Raila’s older brother and current Siaya Senator, who facilitated his enlistment as a police reservist.
Today, Arara heads the security detail of Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga.
While hesitant to disclose much about their work, he hinted that one day he would write a book about his experiences as part of the Odinga security team.
“In our work, we have seen a lot—mostly lows—but we focus on our duty and remain apolitical. However, it’s no secret that we have become part of the Odinga family,” said Arara.
He directed us to another comrade, John Agare, who heads security at the Kisumu Molasses Plant.
Although smiling, Agare’s eyes betrayed the pain of losing a man he had worked with for decades under Mr Odinga’s leadership.
Ochieng' Agare reminisces about moments shared with the late George Oduor, the dedicated bodyguard of ODM party leader Raila Odinga.
Photo credit: Alex Odhiambo| Nation Media Group
While in Nairobi, Mr Oduor and Maurice Ogetta were in charge of Mr Odinga’s security. When the ODM leader visited Western Kenya, Agare took charge.
He recalled that after Jaramogi’s death, they were summoned to a meeting at the former vice president’s residence in Milimani. It was on that day they vowed to dedicate their lives to protecting Mr Odinga.
“If you work for Raila, you work for the whole country. Oduor knew this too well, especially after what we endured during the fight for multiparty democracy,” said Mr Agare.
He recounted a time when nearly all Nyanza MPs abandoned Mr Odinga amid Ford Kenya’s internal strife—except for Joab Omino. That led to the birth of the National Development Party (NDP), where they stood by Raila.
Agare met Oduor in 1990 under Jaramogi’s leadership. They referred to each other as Ja Ugenya (man from Ugenya) and Wuod Gem (son of Gem), respectively.
A marine-trained soldier with experience in Uganda, Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Agare recalled being sent into hostile territories without hesitation.
“What we went through, many people will never understand. We were sent into danger, but by God’s grace we survived. If someone vowed Raila wouldn’t step foot somewhere, we made sure he did. We were always battle-ready,” said Agare.
He lamented that Oduor’s long incarceration at Kamiti Maximum Prison for over a year had severely affected his health.
“Many don’t understand how difficult our job is. If we had weak spouses, we’d all be divorced. Oduor suffered in Kamiti with Lumumba Owade, and when he came out, he was not the same. Raila took care of his medical bills and ensured he got check-ups,” said Agare.
Despite the hardships, he is grateful that none of them lost their lives in action.
“Young security details today lack passion. They’re driven by money and can be easily bought. They should learn from Oduor—always be honest with your boss and love your work,” said Agare.
While Oduor was known for his tough demeanour on duty, he also had a softer side. Agare recalled how they would sneak away to enjoy meals and listen to music. Oduor loved Luo Benga music and was an ardent Chelsea FC fan.
George Oduor (circled), a long-serving bodyguard of ODM leader Raila Odinga.
Photo credit: Francis Nderitu | Nation Media Group
Once, when Raila tripped onstage, Oduor “flew” past him, steadying him before he hit the ground.
On another occasion, during violent clashes in Rongo between Dalmas Otieno and Ochilo Ayacko’s supporters, Oduor grabbed Mr Odinga and whisked him away to safety at lightning speed.
“In every instance, Oduor proved to be the perfect bodyguard—strong, discreet, loyal and calm under pressure,” said Nyamori.
Mr Wafula Buke, a close confidante of Mr Odinga, described Oduor as a man who rarely smiled but whose presence commanded respect.
“Oduor was the most reliable bridge to Baba. Once he knew you, you got what you needed around Baba,” Buke said.
A funeral service will be held on April 10 at the House of Grace Church in Nairobi West from 12pm to 2pm.
Oduor will be buried on April 12 at his home in Ndori, Siaya County.
