- Kenyans were moved by a photo of Raila Odinga’s longstanding bodyguard, Maurice Ogeta, shedding tears at JKIA
- A shattered Ogeta watched in pain as the casket bearing the body of his boss was offloaded from the KQ aircraft
- He had accompanied Raila to India in early October for specialised treatment, unaware it would be their last flight together with him alive
Nairobi — The tarmac at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport fell silent as the aircraft bearing the body of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga touched down.
Source: Facebook
Among the thousands of mourners gathered on the runway, one figure drew quiet sympathy: Maurice Ogeta, Raila’s long-serving chief bodyguard.
Ogeta shed tears at JKIA
Emotional photos captured Ogeto breaking down in tears as the casket was offloaded from the Kenya Airways plane.
Ogeta, a man known for his composure and stoic professionalism, could not hold back emotion as he saluted the flag-draped coffin.
Cameras captured him wiping his eyes, his shoulders trembling, the pain of losing a leader and mentor etched across his face.
Ogeta had accompanied Raila to India in early October for specialised treatment, unaware it would be their last flight together with him alive.
Ogeta was with Raila in India
The two had been inseparable for years, Ogeta acting not only as a protector but as a trusted confidant and companion through the highs and lows of Kenyan politics.
Ogeta was beside Raila on the morning of October 15 when the opposition leader collapsed during a brief walk outside his hotel.
Trained in emergency response, Ogeta attempted to administer CPR on the politician, but the efforts proved futile.
Now back on home soil, the veteran officer faced the most difficult duty of his career, guarding the remains of the man he had protected in life.
Source: Facebook
Ogeta’s final assignment
As the motorcade carrying the casket left the airport, mourners lining the route waved flags and sang songs that Raila had inspired during decades of political struggle.
Ogeta sat in one of the vehicles, his gaze fixed on the hearse ahead, a portrait of devotion and heartbreak.
For Ogeta, the journey from India to Nairobi was not just a flight home, but a farewell to the man who had taught him loyalty, courage, and sacrifice.
Kenyans mourn with Maurice Ogeta
Robert Nyandwaro
“Honestly speaking of all people including Raila’s family, this man is suffering more in my opinion. He lost a colleague recently and now he may be jobless.”
Pius Kipkorir
“Take heart bro. You are really going true the hardest moment in your life. To lose a friend and boss is really hard, may God keep you strength during this moment.”
Amilo Love
“You’re a wonderful man, Mr Ogeta. May our God give you strength. Be blessed.”
What you need to know about Raila’s death
Source: TUKO.co.ke
