He was full of grace and character! Raila's moving tribute to George Oduor

I needed someone I could trust with money, important documents, and sensitive information, and George  Oduor never failed; these were the words of ODM Party leader Raila Odinga in his moving tribute. 

Raila described George as a man of impeccable character —innocent, sincere, generous, and trustworthy.

“He was simply and widely known in political circles, was not just a bodyguard. He officially became my bodyguard in 1995,” Raila said.

“But he had been with us long before that, working as part of the youth team that provided security for Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and the FORD leadership. His loyalty was never in question.”

George Oduor died at a city hospital on April 2.

To many who knew him, he was more than a bodyguard to Baba

From the early days of the pro-democracy movement in the 1990s, George was a notable fixture on the face of opposition politics. 

“He was part of the youth group that operated from Nairobi’s Agip House, providing security to key Ford Kenya leaders, including Jaramogi, Paul Muite, Wamalwa Kijana, and James Orengo,” he said.

“He stayed when others defected. He never backed down, even when the price was arrest and imprisonment.”

Raila said that in the tumultuous period leading to the 1997 general elections, George was arrested and held at Kamiti Maximum Prison for nearly a year—accused of having links to the “No Reforms, No Elections” campaign.

“He had no role in the events that led to that arrest. But he bore it with quiet dignity,” he said.

When Jaramogi passed away in 1994, he was chosen as one of six young men to escort the late leader’s body from Nairobi to Bondo.

“Even in grief, George was composed—firm with the crowds, respectful, and calm under pressure. Those were the traits that defined his entire life,” Raila said.

Raila said that as political tides shifted and new structures emerged, George remained steadfast. He was later redeployed as Raila Odinga’s personal aide, a role that demanded more than physical protection. It required discretion, loyalty, and character.

He said that, beyond professional duties, George was known for his warmth. 

“Most security aides focus only on their principals,” Odinga said.

“But George took time to know and understand my people. He was part of my family in every way,” he said.

Raila added that George underwent professional security training in South Africa and Israel, earning high commendations from both institutions. 

According to him, these experiences honed George’s already sharp instincts and cemented his place as a cornerstone of his security operations.

“His vigilance was unmatched. He could sense danger and act swiftly. Even as his health declined, he insisted on reporting for duty. Idleness was not in his nature,” he said.

“George’s death marks the end of an era. But more importantly, it marks the celebration of a legacy—a legacy of loyalty, humility, and selfless service.”

George Oduor Nyangira is survived by family and friends who knew him as more than just a protector.