NAIROBI, Kenya – An emotional moment unfolded at Parliament on Friday morning as Maurice Ogeta — longtime bodyguard to the late Raila Odinga — broke down in tears during the public viewing of the former Prime Minister’s body.
Dressed in a dark blue suit and wearing sunglasses, Ogeta appeared visibly shaken as he entered the hall where Raila’s body lay in state.
Supported by Narok Senator Ledama Olekina, the visibly distraught aide struggled to contain his grief, his lips trembling and steps unsteady.
In a show of unity, Ogeta embraced President William Ruto in a brief but powerful moment that transcended Kenya’s sharp political divides. Once seated, he wept quietly, wiping tears as mourners watched in silence.
Olekina remained by his side, offering comfort as Ogeta’s emotional collapse captured the depth of personal loss felt by those who stood closest to Raila during his decades in public life.
For years, Ogeta had been a constant presence at Raila’s side — through political battles, street protests, and moments of triumph. His composure in public often masked a deep personal bond forged through trust and loyalty.
Behind his dark glasses, Ogeta carried not just duty but devotion. He was among the few who remained close to Raila in his final days in India, where the veteran opposition leader died on October 15 while undergoing treatment.
Ogeta’s loyalty had been tested before. In 2023, during a period of intense political unrest, he was abducted by men believed to be police officers and held for days before being released blindfolded and shaken.
Despite the ordeal, he returned to his post, continuing to protect Raila amid volatile demonstrations and political tension.
A former elite soldier, Ogeta’s career spans over two decades of advanced military and security training across the globe.
Reports indicate he trained in Afghanistan and France for two years each, and later in Israel’s Special Forces for 15 years, focusing on counter-surveillance and tactical response. He also received high-level protection training with Russian forces for a decade.
Raila will be buried on October 19 at his rural home in Bondo, Siaya County.
