Why Mama Ida didn’t attend Oduor’s funeral – Raila

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s wife, Mama Ida/FILE

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s wife, Mama Ida did not attend the burial of her husband’s long serving aide and bodyguard, George Oduor on Saturday.

Raila conveyed her condolence message to Oduor’s family.

He said Mama Ida is out of the country, revealing that Ida is on a mission in Korea and that was why she was absent in Ndori.

“Let me begin by bringing condolences from my wife, Mama Ida who cannot be here today because she is on a mission in Korea. That is why she is not here,” Raila said.

George, 57, passed away on Wednesday, April 2, at a hospital in Nairobi after a short illness.

He had been Raila’s bodyguard since 1995.

Raila in his tribute eulogised him 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.”

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. 

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

Oduor’s funeral was also attended by President William Ruto who said that during his days as a member of the ODM party, he also benefited from Oduor’s security services.

“I came to know George as a member of ODM then and we were in many places together and somebody said here I benefited also from his security service and that is true.”