Raila Odinga: Departed Leader’s Bodyguard of 18 Years Finally Speaks as Boss Is Buried

• Maurice Ogeta is among the figures who have really stood out during the death and funeral of ODM leader Raila Odinga, as he was very broken
• The long-serving bodyguard was the last person to see Raila walking, as they had taken a walk at the hospital where the latter was receiving treatment before he fell down
• Ogeta has talked about their relationship, which has since made him grow into a leadership position
  Raila’s daughter, Winnie, and her sister praised Ogeta for a job well done and for being a loyal friend and employee of their father

Nairobi, Kenya: Maurice Ogeta, the bodyguard of fallen Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga, has said working under the icon has helped to raise him to where he is now.

According to Ogeta, he has been with Raila for 18 years, and their relationship has blossomed from just loyal friends to that of father and son over the years.

Read also

Meru man who coined ‘Baba while you were away’ slogan leaves dead wife in mortuary to bury Raila

During the time together, the two had great moments where they travelled outside the country, watched football matches, and he even watched as Raila engaged in football and other sports.

There were also difficult and dangerous times during maandamano when Raila stared death right in the face.

In a video showing the last moments of the former prime minister, Ogeta is seen faithfully walking behind him.

“The strength of that relationship cannot be diminished or reduced; it has brought me to a position of leadership,” he said.

“For the 18 years that I worked for you, I have never known another human being who loved pan-Africanism like you, apart from Nelson Mandela. You have left a legacy of fighting for a better Kenya and will be remembered for a long time,” he added.

What did Winnie Odinga say about Ogeta?

During her speech at the burial service of the long-term human rights defender, Raila’s sister praised Ogeta for being loyal until the last moment.

“My partner Maurice Ogeta, on behalf of the Odinga family, thank you all for your love and service,” said Odinga’s daughter, Winnie.

Read also

Raila Odinga: Painful moment as ODM leader is buried with his beloved hat, fly whisk

How did Kenyans react to the video?

@PhaniceWatila:

“The silent shadow that followed Jakom wherever BABA stepped,,,aan who nobody knew until this season…long live Mourice Ogeta.”

Joan Awuor Ouma:

“But Baba has broken our hearts. It hurts yawa.I’ve been thinking thru that he must be lost and lonely.Baba was used to having people around him.Its going to be long Baba but even so, rest iakom rest.Itiekowa.”

Collins Ardcar

“May God bless you brother.”

Joyce Langat:

“Rest in peace Baba and thank you for taking care of Baba for all those year.”

@OmarNuri-w7v:

“Good job Mr M ogeta u have done a wonderful job for taking care of baba till his last breath, rest in peace baba our country Kenya and African continent at large will miss you,you make it in life and you did it well.”

Maurice Ogeta delivers farewell suit

Another story revealed how Ogeta continued to receive love and sympathy from the public following his boss’s death.

Read also

Raila Odinga: Former prime minister’s wife and children break down as body is lowered into grave

In a video, Ogeta is seen delivering what was reportedly Raila’s farewell suit to the Lee Funeral Home; he had just arrived from India.

The ODM leader’s sudden death deeply affected the nation, and Kenyans mourned him as a national treasure.

Source: TUKO.co.ke