"'Oriti George Nyang'ira Oduor' as President Ruto and Raila Lead Mourners in bidding Farewell to Patriotic Security Aide"

It was a sea of mourners as George Nyang’ira Oduor, the long-serving bodyguard of ODM leader Raila Odinga, was laid to rest at his Ndori-Siaya home yesterday.
Among them was President William Ruto, who led national leaders in paying their last respects to the fallen soldier during a sombre funeral mass held at Ramba Primary School.

Ruto paid his glowing tributes to the late Oduor as a security officer who demonstrated competence and integrity.
“He showed immeasurable loyalty, and a Kenyan patriot trusted with security, especially to Raila Odinga,” Ruto said.
The former Prime Minister, Raila, described Oduor as a son and faithful friend.

“He was a very good person, intelligent, and observant. George is one person who was ready to take a bullet for me,” he said of his long dependable armour.

ODM leader Raila Odinga addressed the family, friends and colleagues of his longtime bodyguard George Oduor at the funeral mass held in Ramba Primary school yesterday. Photo Courtesy

At this trying moment full of pain and difficulty for his family, the ODM leader reminisced about a similar experience when they lost their son, Fidel Odinga, ten years ago.
“For 30 years, we closely knew each other,” Raila says while adding that they travelled around the world together.
“He was very exemplary – could sense a looming danger, and would always advise me to immediately change venues.”
The widow, Caren Auma, said that she fondly called her late husband ‘Commander.’
“He was a loving, caring husband and father to our son”, she remembered Oduor,57, who passed on Wednesday, April 2.

In the 1980s, the late Oduor joined the family of Kenya’s first Vice President, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga. He later served as part of his security detail.
Upon the demise of Odinga – the doyen of opposition politics, George was immediately tasked with Raila’s security in 1995.

President William Ruto leads the bereaved family, friends, and colleagues of George Oduor at the burial site yesterday. Photo Courtesy

According to Raila, the Odinga family recruited George and sponsored his Security Training in South Africa, Israel, and the US.
Siaya Governor James Orengo said that he has known George as a ‘true friend, trusted aide, and Raila’s soldier.’

Other dignitaries included the Council of Governors (present and retired), Members of the National Assembly, Senators, Members of the County Assemblies (MCAs), and religious leaders, among others.
In loving memory of Oduor, President Ruto pledged Sh 20 million towards the upgrade of Ramba Primary School.