He only said ‘Aih..’”: Raila Odinga’s bodyguard Maurice Ogeta recalls his last words in India
He only said ‘Aih..’”: Raila Odinga's bodyguard Maurice Ogeta recalls his last words in India
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s longtime bodyguard Maurice Ogeta has shared a deeply personal account of the veteran politician’s final moments, revealing that he was by his side when he died while taking a routine morning walk in India.
Speaking during a reception hosted for Gor Mahia players and officials at the Karen home of Mama Ida Odinga, Ogeta reflected on the close relationship he had with Raila over the years, describing him as a boss, mentor, friend and father figure.
Ogeta said the late opposition leader placed immense trust in him, particularly on matters relating to Gor Mahia, a club Raila passionately supported as patron.
According to Ogeta, Raila remained concerned about the welfare of the club even during difficult financial periods.
He recalled that when Gor Mahia faced serious challenges, Raila sought his opinion on the amount of support the club required.
“Baba asked us why our standards were declining, and we were honest. We told him we were facing serious financial challenges,” Ogeta said.
He recounted how Raila later supported the club and challenged its leadership to win both the ODM Cup and the league title, goals that Gor Mahia has since achieved.
The longtime aide revealed that he was with Raila during a morning exercise session in India, where the former Prime Minister had travelled for treatment before his death on October 15, 2025.
He explained that the pair had embarked on their usual morning exercise routine around the villa where Raila was staying.
The walk was not strenuous, and the two had planned to complete several laps around a route measuring about 50 metres.
“The patron did not die on bed. He died while walking. We only went one round. On the second round, he only went a quarter way. People say he collapsed or fell down. That is not how I remember it. He simply stopped,” Ogeta recalled.
Concerned, Ogeta asked whether there was a problem and whether he could assist.
“The only word he said was ‘Aih…’ and that was it,” he recounted.
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Ogeta said the memory of that moment continues to weigh heavily on him, admitting that coming to terms with Raila’s death has not been easy.
“It was very unfortunate. I was just one metre away from him. It was not easy for me. It is still not easy even now.”
He also spoke about the trust Raila placed in him over the years, recalling occasions when the former Prime Minister would allow him to use official vehicles to attend Gor Mahia matches and events.
“There was a day the patron released his official car and lead car to take me to City Stadium. Another time he allowed me to use his vehicle to travel to Machakos for a Gor Mahia match. That was the level of trust he had in me,” Ogeta said.
The security officer thanked the Odinga family for the confidence they placed in him throughout his years of service, noting that his relationship with the family extended beyond his official duties.
“At times I was his security officer and bodyguard, but sometimes I was also his driver. The only thing Mama would always tell me was, ‘Make sure you get home safely.’”
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