- Eric Ominde is among the people who spent a lot of time with the late Raila Odinga, as he had been his driver for 20 years
- Ominde has shared how he met the indomitable Raila, aka Baba, and how the latter made the decision to hire him
- Raila then moved with the driver to the Mwai Kibaki administration, where he worked as a minister in Roads, Public Works and Housing
Nairobi, Kenya: Eric Ominde, the driver of the late Raila Odinga, has shared how his boss called to encourage him before his sudden death.
Source: Facebook
In a video shared on NTV, Ominde revealed that Raila called him at 1:00 am Indian time, and the rallying call was for him to be strong.
In some of his most pivotal chapters, Ominde has been with the politician, also known as the people’s president, and he has been steady throughout.
“Be hardworking, be strong; I will come,” he said about Raila’s last call.
Additionally, the 43-year-old was with the beloved Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) during charged political rallies such as the one on January 30, 2018, when Raila swore himself in as the people’s president.
The middle-aged man confidently navigated teargas-filled streets and electrifying campaign rallies as he witnessed history unfold right before his eyes, as he worked for Raila.
Source: UGC
How was Ominde hired?
The 43-year-old says he was removed from Nakuru while he was in a convoy. The man shared that Raila told him that he wanted him to stay and then started teaching him the job.
“He used to depend on me; there was a lot of work that he relied on me for. I always had to take his cars,” said Ominde.
In the 2008 Grand Coalition, Raila held the position of Minister of Roads, Public Works, and Housing; some officials pushed for a new driver, but that did not happen as Raila told President Mwai Kibaki and Francis Muthaura that they had been together for long and he should be retained.
As expected, there were difficult times, such as on January 30, 2018.
“I drove from Karen to Uhuru Park, and we started our drive, eventually sneaking into City Hall,” said Ominde.
“Mzee used to tell me not to be afraid,” he added.
Ominde now works as a driver at the State House.
How did Kenyans react to the story?
Kim Wa Toky:
“To those who are saying Baba security and drivers came from one community,let me say this Maina… No day you’ll lock your house door with a neighbours pad Lock. It’s about trust and Loyalty. Can you trust someone being phone called and you can’t understand what they are discussing about?”
Pretty Luopian:
“Even death is wondering whom it took this time round Baba was loved.”
Patrick Obanda:
“From the testimony of those who worked with the late Raila Amolo Odinga he was a good employer, generous, humble and down to earth. He never advertised what he did to others as witnessed in many leaders. In most instances he did things quietly, secretly and confidentially.”
Griffo KE
“Tinga had all sorts of tribes in his workforce; my immediate cousin was his worker but not luo.”
Enzyme Achilez NyakwarRhoda:
“One of the most powerful, intelligent, secretive and security personnel that nobody knew but tirelessly worked around baba. Raila believed in young people, he picked ominde in his 20s…they have grown together.”
Mrs Eveleen Mitei:
“A powerful story of loyalty and quiet service behind the public stage. Eric Ominde’s journey reminds us that history is often shaped not only by those in the spotlight, but also by the steadfast hands that carry them through every storm. True service leaves an enduring mark.”
Raila’s bodyguard of 18 years speaks
Meanwhile, Maurice Ogeta was also among the figures who stood out during the ODM leader’s death and funeral, as he was very broken.
Ogeto was the last person seen with Raila, and they were walking around the hospital where the latter was receiving treatment before he fell down.
Ogeta talked about their relationship, and Raila’s daughters, Winnie and Rosemary, praised Ogeta for a job well done and for being a loyal friend and employee of their father.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
