- Kenya is mourning the death of former prime minister Raila Odinga, who passed away at the age of 80
- Raila’s body was laid in state at Parliament Buildings ahead of his state funeral, with leaders, including President William Ruto, paying their respects
- In this sorrowful moment, Maurice Ogeta, Raila’s loyal bodyguard, was unable to contain his grief, prompting action from the president
Kenya is shrouded in grief following the sudden death of former prime minister Raila Odinga.
Source: Facebook
Raila passed away on October 15 while in India at the age of 80, leaving behind a legacy of great leadership and democracy.
His body was repatriated to Kenya on Thursday, October 16, by a selected delegation comprising family members and politicians, led by prime cabinet secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
Contrary to the initial plan, where his body was to be taken to Lee Funeral Home and then to Parliament Buildings, the funeral organisers were forced to change plans upon arrival in Kenya due to the overwhelming crowd.
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However, the body was finally laid in state at Parliament Buildings early on the morning of Friday, October 17, ahead of the state funeral.
Leaders, including President William Ruto, were present at parliament and paid their respects in a brief ceremony.
The head of state and First Lady Rachel Ruto were the first to view the body and pay tribute to the fallen veteran politician.
Source: Facebook
How did Maurice Ogeta mourn Raila Odinga?
Raila’s family, including his son Junior and daughter Winnie Odinga, followed suit, viewing his body as they showed remarkable strength in the face of their immense pain.
Alongside them was the former prime minister’s loyal bodyguard, Maurice Ogeta. He appeared visibly emotional as he approached his boss’s lifeless body.
Ogeta struggled to hold himself together, finding it difficult to walk as he shed tears. He was supported by Narok Senator Ledama Olekina, who helped him step away from the body.
Ogeta then approached Ruto, who consoled him with a warm hug, offering his condolences and encouraging him to remain strong despite the overwhelming sorrow.
Overcome with emotion, Ogeta immediately broke down and had to sit down, with Olekina assisting him. He wiped away his tears, keeping his head down as he wept for his boss, friend, and mentor.
What to know about Raila’s death
Kenyans console Maurice Ogeta
Andy Isaac:
“For once, titles didn’t matter, just a grieving man and another trying to comfort him. If only we saw this level of humanity outside funerals.”
Lydiah Nderituh:
“Most people who walk through such always ‘beat’ themselves with ‘blames and regrets ‘ and it’s actually a grieving process. I wish i did, I wish I didn’t do this, what ifs and the flashbacks, you feel like you have let them down, like you failed them, like you didn’t do enough. That’s exactly how God planned it, and I pray that he heals from it soon, and know that he couldn’t change a thing. May he find solace in the Lord.”
Peter De Calvn:
“Been a bodyguard you entrusted with your boss’s life ….Maurice feels he lost it since he was able to secure his boss at the last minute. This shows he loved and did his job with passion. He might not go back to any job.”
Onyango Amolo:
“This man has seen what none of us have. He knows what happened, he knows how our Baba fell. He saw Mzee take his last. May the Country never forget about this bodyguard.”
Did Maurice Ogeta deliver Raila’s farewell suit?
TUKO.co.ke also reported that Ogeta, after arriving from India, was captured on video delivering Raila’s suit to Lee Funeral Home.
The man, evidently sorrowful and devastated, walked out of a black SUV, took the suit from the boot, and headed inside the morgue.
At the entrance of the funeral home were heavy security personnel, media members, and a small crowd of mourners.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
