'We rose and fell together': Raila mourns longtime bodyguard
George Oduor (circled), a long-serving bodyguard of ODM leader Raila Odinga.
ODM leader Raila Odinga's long-serving aide and bodyguard George Oduor is dead.
He died at Nairobi West Hospital.
Mr Oduor has been the former Prime Minister's personal bodyguard for decades, since the 1990s.
He had been admitted to the hospital for a few weeks before his passing.
The news was confirmed by ODM director of communications Philip Etale.
Raila mourned his longtime bodyguard, who served the Odinga family since the 1980s, in a heartfelt condolence tweet.
He said, "I will miss George, and I am sorry to the myriad friends who miss him already."
Adding, "To his wife, Carol George, entire family, colleagues, and friends, I offer Mama Ida's and the entire Jaramogi family's sincere condolences at this devastating loss. May the Almighty rest his soul in eternal peace."
Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai also expressed his shock and sorrow, remembering Oduor as more than just an aide.
“I will miss your wise counsel and guidance. You were more than an aide to Baba [Odinga]. You offered us brotherly advice and sought to mentor us,” Alai wrote on X.
“Rest in peace, my brother.”
James Orengo, Governor for Siaya County, shared his heartfelt tribute, describing Oduor as "a true friend, trusted aide, and soldier" to Raila.
Orengo expressed his grief at the loss of a companion who had been by their side for over three decades, enduring the challenges and triumphs of the struggle. "He always called me 'Nera' when we met. A humble gentleman has departed," Orengo said on a post in X.
He praised Oduor for his calm and composed demeanour in the midst of political turmoil, emphasising his professionalism as a protector of VIPs. Orengo mourned the passing of a man who had been invaluable during difficult times, saying, "We will dearly miss him. May his soul rest in eternal peace."
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir also paid tribute to Oduor, describing him as a "man of great integrity, quiet strength, and unwavering commitment."
In his message of condolence, Nassir noted that Oduor's presence had touched the lives of many and extended his deepest sympathies to the late aide's family. "His passing is a deep loss—not only to his family and friends, but to all who had the privilege of knowing him," he wrote on X.
The Governor expressed hope that Oduor’s legacy of kindness, service, and enduring friendship would provide comfort to those grieving his loss. "May his soul rest in eternal peace," Nassir concluded.
Nairobi County Woman Representative Esther Muthoni Passaris also offered her condolences, highlighting Oduor's loyalty and dedication throughout his career. "George was possibly the longest-serving bodyguard," Passaris wrote on X, expressing her admiration for his commitment and offered her condolences to Oduor's family.