Maurice Ogeta: Raila’s loyal bodyguard who stood by him till death
By Aloys Michael, October 17, 2025Maurice Ogeta, the late former Prime Minister and ODM leader Raila Odinga’s long-serving chief bodyguard and close aide, was among the close associates present moments before the opposition leader collapsed and died on Wednesday, October 15, 2025.
In a viral video clip that captured Odinga’s morning walk in India, Ogeta was seen a few steps behind his boss.
Ogeta is a well-known Kenyan security expert who has served as the chief bodyguard and close aide to the late Raila for many years.
His long-standing presence alongside the opposition leader has made him one of the most recognisable figures in Kenya’s political security circles.
Who is Maurice Ogeta?
Maurice Ogeta hails from Kondele, a popular neighbourhood in Kisumu County, Nyanza region.
His family lives in Komolo, Uyoma. He is known to keep details of his private life largely out of the public domain.
However, during his abduction in 2023, his family publicly appealed for his release during the abduction.
In media statements post-release, he referenced previous personal losses in his family, saying those deaths had caused concern when news of his disappearance spread.
Education and Training
Maurice Ogeta has undergone extensive military and security training in several countries over the past two decades.
Reports indicate that he received professional instruction in Afghanistan for 2 years and in France for another 2 years, where he studied advanced protection, intelligence gathering, and tactical response.
He is also said to have trained with Israel’s special forces for 15 years and Russian forces for 10 years, gaining expertise in counter-surveillance, rapid combat reaction, and high-level personal protection.
His skills include marksmanship, quick response, and weapon detection, key traits for a professional in his field.
In addition to his technical expertise, Maurice Ogeta is said to be multilingual, reportedly fluent in more than 15 international languages, including German, Russian, Arabic, and Chinese.
His linguistic ability enhances his communication and coordination in multicultural security environments.
Career life
Maurice Ogeta’s career in the security sector has spanned over 25 years.
His most prominent role has been as Raila Odinga’s chief bodyguard, where he has been responsible for ensuring the opposition leader’s safety during both private and public engagements.
Maurice Ogeta has remained a constant figure beside Odinga, particularly during political rallies and high-tension moments.
In July 2023, Ogeta was abducted in Nairobi during a period of nationwide protests.
Ogeta is emotional
A deeply emotional scene unfolded at Parliament on Friday morning, October 17, 2025, morning when Ogeta broke down during the viewing of Raila Odinga.
Dressed in a dark blue suit and wearing sunglasses, Ogeta appeared visibly shaken as he entered the hall.
Supported by Narok Senator Ledama Olekina, he embraced President William Ruto in a moment that transcended political lines.
His lips were trembling and his steps unsteady as he made his way to his seat.
Once seated, Ogeta could be seen crying, wiping his tears, his grief echoing the sorrow felt across the nation.
Olekina remained by his side, offering comfort as mourners looked on in silence.
Ogeta’s breakdown was a poignant reminder of the personal bonds behind public service.
Having stood by Raila through years of political struggle and personal triumphs, his reaction captured the depth of loss felt by those closest to the ODM leader.
Behind the dark glasses and serious expressions, Ogeta has carried a heavy emotional weight.
In Raila’s final days in India, Ogeta was among the few who remained close, a silent witness to the last chapter of a storied life.