The late George Oduor, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s bodyguard, has been with the ODM leader since the 1990s.
Although not much is known about Oduor’s personal life, he has been the most visible of Raila’s security detail.
Me and my good political friend Ndungi Githuku used to joke that once you see Raila Odinga you must expect this guy to show up behind him. That is George Oduor. He was the real deal for Raila’s security and the nation will miss him.
The first time I met him was in 1995 when I went back to the country from Canada to honour my father’s burial. I met George Oduor in Nairobi at Raila’s office in Nairobi and he was just calm taking care of his boss and then I left the office.
Later on I met the same guy in Opoda Farm when Raila invited me there and there were all sorts of groups waiting to meet Raila at his home.
One great thing with George Oduor is that he always blends in with the crowd. If Raila is in a meeting with people wearing suits and ties, that is exactly how you will see Oduor. If it is a rally with battle wear, that is exactly how you will see the guy.
I used to tell Ndung’i that if anybody wants to know anything about Raila they have to talk to this guy. More than 40 years he has been there protecting one of the most important politicians in our country. That is Raila Amolo Odinga. We thank him for that.
Raila’s personal bodyguard George Oduor is dead
George Oduor, a long term aide and bodyguard to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, has passed away while undergoing treatment at Nairobi West Hospital.
A source close to Odinga confirmed Oduor’s death, stating that he had been hospitalized for the past two weeks.
“Yes, it is true we have lost him,” the source told The Standard.
Oduor’s passing has been met with an outpouring of tributes from political figures and close associates.
Among those mourning him is Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) communications director Philip Etale and Kileleshwa Member of County Assembly (MCA) Robert Alai.
Kileleshwa Member of County Assembly (MCA) Robert Alai, who was elected on an ODM party ticket, is among politicians who have mourned Oduor.
Alai, in a statement on Wednesday, mourned the long-serving aide, saying that he will miss his wise counsel and guidance.
“Wah George Oduor! Rest In Peace, my brother. I will miss your wise counsel and guidance. You were more than an aide to Baba. You offered us brotherly advice and sought to mentor us,” he said.
George Oduor mourned
On his part, Saboti Member of Parliament (MP) Caleb Amisi also mourned Oduor while pointing out that the deceased was among the longest serving bodyguard to any political figure.
“A man of stellar security protection acumen, alert with military precision yet calm and humble. Principled to the core, never seen any other like you, George Odour. May the Almighty Lord rest your soul in eternal peace! he said.
Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi also joined in sending a message of condolence to the long-serving aide and those close to him, terming him as one of the most reliable servants of Raila.
“A soldier who has seen it all, a man of all seasons! George has been Baba’s most dependable bodyguard. Wuod, “Seje”, go in peace!” Atandi condoled.
Raila Odinga: ”It is with profound shock and sadness that I announce the passing of my personal aide and bodyguard George Oduor this evening in Nairobi after a short illness. George has been a part of Jaramogi’s and my family since the late 80’s.”
”We have stood, fallen, and risen together. 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. To his wife, Carol George, entire family, colleagues, and friends, I offer Mama Ida’s and the entire Jaramogi family’s sincere condolences at this devastating loss. May the almighty rest his soul in eternal peace.”
