Raila: How I remember George Oduor

ODM leader Raila Odinga has paid tribute to his longtime aide and bodyguard, George Oduor, remembering him as a loyal and dedicated professional.

Odinga described Oduor, who had been with the Jaramogi family since the late 1980s, as vigilant, calm, confident, and highly professional.

"I will miss George, and I am sorry to the myriad friends who miss him already. To his wife, Carol, entire family, colleagues, and friends, I offer Mama Ida's and the entire Jaramogi family's sincere condolences at this devastating loss,’’ Odinga said. 

Nairobi Senator and ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna joined in the tributes eulogising Oduor a courageous man, noting that serving as Odinga’s bodyguard was no easy task.

“George Oduor did it with quiet grace and steadfast dedication. Back when I was new in Mzee’s circles, I would never have got the hang of things were it not for George’s guidance.” 

“See, you can’t just ‘be around’ Mzee. It isn’t very easy and I will always be grateful to George for holding my hand. May his soul rest in peace,’’ Sifuna wrote on X. 

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Other leaders also honored Oduor’s legacy.

Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Raymond Omollo said he had known Oduor since 2006 and praised his integrity and commitment.

"George embodied honesty, reliability, and quiet strength. He approached his responsibilities with admirable diligence and an unwavering sense of duty," Omollo said.

Siaya Governor James Orengo described Oduor as a composed professional who never wavered under the pressures of political life.

“George tolerated all the fuss that came with being around politics, always sober and never lost his mind, he was the true gentleman of VIP protection. He was exactly who we needed at the most challenging and trying moments.’’

Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro also expressed his sympathies.

"I extend my sincere condolences to Oduor’s family and friends during this difficult time. Most importantly, I offer my deepest sympathies to Baba for the loss of such an exceptional individual.” 

Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi called Oduor an inspiration. "George's commitment to the liberation movement was an inspiration to many. Rest in peace, comrade," Wandayi wrote.

‘’Upon viewing my friend Georgie’s body at the morgue this morning, I broke down uncontrollably. The pain was too much. Last time I broke down like this was in January 2018 when my father Justus George Etale, died,” ODM Communications Director Philip Etale said.

Oduor died on Wednesday while undergoing treatment at a Nairobi hospital. He will be buried on Friday, April 11, at his home in Ndori, Bondo, in Siaya County.