Tributes pour in for Raila’s long serving bodyguard

Tributes have poured in from leaders and friends of Raila Odinga’s long-serving aide and bodyguard, George Oduor.

This follows his demise on Wednesday while he underwent treatment at a hospital in Nairobi.

The former Prime Minister mourned Oduor as a dependable rock not only to him but also to the larger Jaramogi Oginga Odinga family.

Raila described Oduor as someone who was always vigilant and extremely professional in discharging his duties.

The ODM leader said that he will dearly miss his bodyguard.

“He has been a vigilant, calm, confident, and extremely professional aide dedicated to duty and dependable rock on my side all these years through tumultuous periods. I will miss George, and I am sorry to the myriad friends who miss him already,” Raila said.

Other leaders, including allies of Raila, also condoled with Oduor’s family.

Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi said Oduor's dedication to the liberation movement has been an inspiration to many.

"I am deeply saddened by the passing on of George Oduor, a long-serving and dedicated aide to PM Raila Odinga. My deepest condolences to family and friends. George's commitment to the cause of the liberation movement was an inspiration to many.  R.I.P Comrade."

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir said Oduor was not just a friend but a member of their community.

He described Oduor as a man of great integrity, quiet strength and unwavering commitment to the values that bound them together as a people.

"George was not just a friend to me personally, but a cherished member of our broader community whose presence and warmth touched the lives of many," Nassir said.

"His passing is a deep loss, not only to his family and friends, but to all who had the privilege of knowing him. In moments like these, words often fall short, but we take solace in the rich legacy he leaves behind: one of kindness, service, and enduring friendship."

Siaya Governor James Orengo said Oduor was always a sober mind who tolerated all the fuss that came with politics without losing his mind.

He also described him as the true gentleman of VIP protection and exactly the person that was needed at their most difficult and trying moments.

"Today, I mourn a true friend, a trusted aide and soldier to Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga. For more than three decades, George Oduor has been a partner and comrade in the struggle, he has journeyed with us through the good and bad. He always called me 'Nera' when we met; a humble gentleman has departed," he said.

Alego Usonga MP Sam Atandi said Oduor was a soldier who has seen it all and a man of all seasons!

"George has been Baba’s most dependable bodyguard. Wuod “Seje”, go in peace!"

The passing of George Oduor has come as a great shock to me. He was not only a long-serving aide and bodyguard to ODM Party Leader and Prime Minister Raila Odinga but also a trusted confidant.

"I would like to express my sincere condolences to Oduor's family and friends during this difficult time, and most importantly, I offer my deepest sympathies to Baba for the loss of such an exceptional individual who had been by his side for so long. His memory will always be cherished”, go in peace!" Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro wrote on X.

Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai mourned Oduor as a mentor.

"Rest In peace my brother. I will miss your wise counsel and guidance," Alai said in a post on X.

"You were more than an aide to Baba. You offered to us brotherly advice and sought to mentor us."

ODM director of communications Philip Etale expressed disbelief over the news.

"This is one man who stood by me at all cost. I have lost a friend. Big bro. Rest easy, George. Wah!"