Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at the funeral of his bodyguard George Oduor in Ndori, Siaya/PCS Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has said that he personally knows very few people who are as dedicated and committed to their jobs like his late bodyguard George Oduor.
Speaking at his burial in Ndori, Raila said that Oduor was one person who could take a bullet for him.
He went on to describe Oduor as someone who was intelligent and very observant whenever they were out going about their duties.
The ODM leader described his security analysis skill as impeccable, saying that whenever he said a place was unsafe, it was best to leave immediately.
“It is painful, and difficult for me to talk about George. George is part of our family. If you say someone is ready to take a bullet for you, it is George," Raila said.
"I have known few people who can be dedicated and committed as this young man. He was a very cool, intelligent, observant person. You'd think he was a fool when next to you but thinking very deeply and say, 'this place is not very safe, let’s get out', you must get out very quickly. It is very painful indeed,” Raila said.
In his eulogy, Raila clarified that Oduor did not work for Jaramogi as has been reported by sections of the media.
Raila said that after recruiting Oduor, they took him for training in South Africa, Israel and even the United States of America.
Each time, according to the former PM, Oduor emerged top of his class.
“George worked for me, he did not work for Jaramogi. He was there briefly. We recruited George and sent him for training in South Africa, he was top of his class. Later on we sent him to Israel for three months on security, he was exemplary.
“He was a highly trained officer. He knew how to sense trouble, feels it and warns you that this is about to happen,” Raila added.
He further praised George’s wife, Caren, for taking good care of him over the years.
The ODM leader said that his aide never went to work not well groomed.
“Carol has looked after George very well. He was always smart when he came to work.”
George, who was aged 57, passed away on Wednesday, April 2, at a hospital in Nairobi after a short illness.
He has been Raila’s bodyguard since 1995.
He was laid to rest at his home in Ndori, next to Bondo.
