During this time, Raila’s bodyguard, George Oduor, became more than a workmate, but a brother.
The aide, who died aged 57, takes with him “an encyclopedia of high-level secrets that will never be known”, Jakakimba told he Star.
Oduor passed away at a Nairobi hospital after he was taken ill and will be buried at his Ndori home on April 12.
Jakakimba recounted how he first met the man tasked with coordinating behind-the-scenes action and executing tasks silently in his service to Raila.
“I first met George Oduor in 2003 at Taifa Hall, the University of Nairobi, when Raila came to deliver a public lecture to students and the wider university fraternity. I remember very well when my fellow students with whom we stayed at Parklands Campus trekked to the main campus for this lecture,” the lawyer recalled.
After the lecture, senior students mingled freely with the ODM leader.
But being a junior law student, Jakakimba was not able to approach the then government minister.
He resorted to strike a conversation with Oduor, an encounter that would build a lasting bond.
Years later, Jakakimba introduced Oduor to his American contacts who organised a trip for the bodyguard to undertake specialised VIP protection courses in the United States.
He was not only professional, but the aide was known for dependability to execute sensitive tasks.
But above these, one of Oduor’s most remarkable traits was his devotion.
Jakakimba described him as “loyal to a fault” in his service to the Odingas, adding that he was willing to risk his life for Raila's safety.
“There are times I witnessed him key in his all, literally placing his own frame and life on the way, to ensure Raila remained safe during some of the usual incidents in a growing and maturing democracy.”
And how did Oduor blend working with police officers assigned to Raila when he is given state security?
Jakakimba puts it down to prioritising forming relationships to ensure seamless working.
“He always supported state security personnel around Raila, to understand Jakom's space better and this obviously must have led to the blended relationships he had with them for several years.”
He was well loved by those he worked with, the lawyer added.
“For the two weeks we were in hospital with George, they streamed in to offer their prayers and seeing the way they broke down after he passed on, it is obvious this was like a brother to them and I believe they valued the moments and times they shared with George.”
Even though he might have appeared advanced in age, the security official spoke “sheng’ ile ya Eastlando (colloquial Swahili spoken in Eastlands)”.
Oduor loved the finer things in life too. He chose his outfits carefully whenever he walked into a clothing shop around town or abroad, Jakakimba recalled.
Despite being from the lakeside region, Oduor did not eat fish.
“George is one of the only few folks from the lakeside who never ate fish. He and his wife Caro visited me a number of times on the Island. George had to eat eggs.
“You can imagine the shock my people had on their faces at the dinner table the first time he visited. Our best meal for any visitor is always fresh mbuta (Nile Perch) or tilapia,” he said.
Where the man had no liking for fish, he had a strong affinity for tea.
“He loved tea! Yes, tea seemed to have been his favourite thing and he could have it over and over.”
Instant analysis
Oduor has been eulogised as a professional, people person and who prioritised the safety of his boss at all cost. His length of service demonstrated his dependability and knack for developing lasting relationships.
