Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s bodyguard Maurice Ogeta paid an emotional tribute to his long-term boss, citing years of friendship and camaraderie.
In his written tribute shared during the State Funeral service, Maurice recalled the nearly 18 years of service as Raila’s personal aide where the bond grew to a personal level.
He recollected the ‘near-son relationship’ that developed during Raila’s political tenure.
Ogeta also delved into Raila’s historical contributions, drawing parallels with South Africa’s first president, the late Nelson Mandela.
“I confess I know no other human being on the African continent came close to you as the First Among Equals on the quest for a freer and more equal continent, outside Nelson Mandela,” Ogeta states.
“In the historical quest for a better Kenyan nation, your legacy was marked with personal sacrifices, powers on. Thank you for being a dependable Father and Mentor.”
Raila’s widow, Mama Ida Odinga, reminisced about their 52 years of marriage during her tribute.
“I first met Raila way back in the early 70s, and we got married in 1973. For that reason, I’ve lived with this man for 52 years. Many of the people in this stadium could easily be our children; no wonder you call him Baba,” she stated.
Raila’s daughter, Winnie Odinga, described her father as not only a national icon but also a devoted father and a source of strength for the family.
“I don’t know who I’ll miss more… my dad or my superhero. I am the luckiest girl in the world because you were my dad,” she noted.
The four-day funeral programme for Raila will culminate in a private burial ceremony held in Bondo, Siaya County on Sunday.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta urged Kenyans to honour the legacy of the late Odinga by upholding the democratic values, human rights, and freedoms he championed throughout his life.
Speaking during Odinga’s state funeral at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi on Friday, Kenyatta described the late opposition leader as a towering figure in Kenya’s political history, whose name would forever remain synonymous with the nation’s struggle for justice and democracy.
“When Kenya’s history is written, it cannot be written without Raila Odinga’s name being at the top,” Kenyatta said. “The history of human rights, the fight for democracy, and the journey to devolution—none of these can be told without his name appearing first.”
The former Head of State called on Kenyans to safeguard the gains made under Odinga’s leadership, saying this was the best way to preserve his legacy.
“Let us make a vow that the rights Raila defended; human rights, democracy, and freedoms will not be reversed,” he said. “We must carry them forward, for those of us who remain and for those yet to be born. That is how we will honour his legacy as a national leader.”
Injecting a touch of humour into his tribute, Kenyatta recalled lighter moments he shared with Odinga, drawing laughter from mourners.
“Sometimes after work, when we were relaxing, we would take something small,” he recounted. “And you’re laughing but that ‘something small’ was just porridge or tea!”
Reflecting on Odinga’s passing, Kenyatta said he believed his longtime political ally and rival had joined other great Kenyan leaders who already passed on.
“We used to wonder what the elders who’ve gone before us talk about when they meet. Maybe politics,” he said.
“My brother, you’ve gone ahead of me. I know you’re already talking with them there. And it’s not that I’m in a hurry to join you—but when our time comes, I know you’ll be there to show us the way along those paths.”
“Go well, my brother. May God have mercy on you, grant you peace, and comfort your family. We will remember you, continue your work, and stand by your family always,” he said.
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