President Ruto Pays Tribute to Raila Odinga’s Late Bodyguard George Oduor, Hails Him as a Loyal Patriot

Siaya, The Gulf Observer: President William Ruto on Saturday joined mourners in Ndori, Siaya County to pay his final respects to George Oduor, the longtime bodyguard of opposition leader Raila Odinga, who passed away on April 2 at the age of 57.

Speaking at the funeral service, President Ruto fondly recalled his personal encounters with the late Oduor, particularly during his time in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). He revealed that Oduor had once offered him security during politically tense moments.

“I came to know George as a member of ODM, and we were in many places together. Somebody mentioned I also benefited from his security service—and that is true,” Ruto stated. “Whenever we found ourselves in situations that needed protection, George was always there.”

The President described Oduor as a man of integrity, loyalty, and professionalism, and praised his unwavering commitment to his duty as a security officer and confidant to the former Prime Minister.

“George demonstrated beyond any doubt that he was a Kenyan who upheld competence, integrity, and immeasurable loyalty. He was entrusted with the security of Raila Odinga for nearly three decades, and he served diligently.”

Ruto noted that despite Oduor’s humble role, his impact was profound—a quality aligned with the President’s own bottom-up leadership philosophy.

“That’s why I came here to celebrate a humble man who, despite his modest position, showed the greatness of loyalty and patriotism. George was a true Kenyan patriot.”

President Ruto also expressed his heartfelt sympathy to George Oduor’s widow, Mama Caren Auma, and praised the strength she displayed during the funeral service. He acknowledged how difficult it was to listen to her tribute and that of Raila Odinga, underlining the deep emotional weight of the loss.

Oduor, who had served as Raila Odinga’s bodyguard since 1995, passed away after a short illness at a hospital in Nairobi. He is being laid to rest at his home in Ndori, near Bondo.

His death marks the end of a life dedicated to quiet service and steadfast loyalty, leaving behind a legacy deeply cherished by both sides of Kenya’s political divide.