President William Ruto has promised Raila’s security detail, especially Maurice Ogeta, that the Government would “stand guard” with them.
The President was speaking at the funeral service for the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who passed away at the age of 80 in India on Wednesday, October 15. The ceremony was the culmination of a state funeral that began with his remains being airlifted back to the country by the national carrier, Kenya Airways, on a flight dubbed RAO001.
“I must thank his security people, Maurice Ogetta especially,” the president said. “Thank you very much, Maurice, for standing with Raila always.”
The head of state went on to acknowledge and promise all of Raila’s workers that the government would “stand” with them.
“I want to tell you, the Government of Kenya, as we look after Raila’s legacy, you too will stand guard with us to look after Raila’s legacy; together with all the other people who worked with Baba,” he said.
Ruto’s comments came after Siaya Senator and Raila Odinga’s brother, Oburu Odinga, urged President Ruto to promote Raila’s security detail for their unwavering loyalty.
“Your Excellency, the security personnel who have been taking care of Raila have done an outstanding job. They have kept vigil and stood by him throughout. I would like to plead with you to grant them a promotion, even just one grade,” Oburu said.
In addition to Maurice, Oburu also showed appreciation to Raila’s doctor and a member of his detail called Jeff.
“I also want to give special thanks to Doctor David Oluya, who has been my brother’s personal doctor and has supported him throughout, including during his time in India, Dubai, and at Nairobi Hospital. I also want to thank Ogeta, who cared for Jakom up to his last breath, and Jeff for all they did,” he said.
President Ruto’s assurance that the Government would take care of Raila’s people is a culmination of what the Odinga family has dubbed a surprising show of kindness from one of Raila’s 2022 political opponents.
Maurice Ogeta is among the people who eulogised the revered opposition leader, likening him to a father.
“That the commitment in the years-old service to and under you, and the undeniably very close nexus that blossomed to both comradeship of trust and a near-son relationship, have seen me grow into what I am today in the Leadership space, can neither be gainsaid nor overstressed,” Maurice said in his tribute to Baba.
Ogeta’s career spans over two decades of elite security training in Afghanistan, France, Israel and Russia.
He served Raila through decades of public service and stood with him through private challenges.
Ogeta was at Raila’s side during his final days in India and accompanied his remains through the state funeral ceremonies until his burial on Sunday, October 19, at Kang’o ka Jaramogi in his homestead in Bondo.
