President Ruto Attends Burial of Raila Odinga’s Longtime Aide George Oduor in Siaya
President William Ruto on Saturday made a rare appearance in Siaya County as he joined opposition leader Raila Odinga and a host of political leaders at the burial of George Oduor Nyangira, a longtime personal aide and bodyguard to Raila Odinga.
The emotional ceremony, held at Ramba High School in Siaya, drew large crowds from across the political divide, symbolizing a moment of unity in mourning and a reflection on Kenya’s tumultuous political history.
George Oduor passed away on April 2, 2025, while receiving treatment at a Nairobi hospital. His death marked the end of a decades-long journey alongside the Odinga family, serving first under Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and later as Raila Odinga’s trusted aide.
Speaking during the ceremony, Raila Odinga described George as “a man of impeccable character — innocent, sincere, generous, and trustworthy.”
“He officially became my bodyguard in 1995, but he had been with us long before that, offering security services to my late father Jaramogi and other FORD Kenya leaders during the early 1990s,” Raila recalled.
Raila recounted George’s pivotal role during the pro-democracy movement, especially his steadfast loyalty at a time when political repression and arrests were common. In 1996, George was arrested and held at Kamiti Maximum Prison for nearly a year over alleged involvement in the ‘No Reforms, No Elections’ campaign — charges he bore with grace and dignity.
“He stayed when others defected. He never backed down, even when the price was arrest and imprisonment,” Raila added.
President Ruto, who shared his condolences with the Odinga family and the people of Siaya, described George as a true patriot and a symbol of Kenya’s struggle for a better future.
“George’s life was not just about protecting a leader. It was about defending an ideal — of unity, resilience, and service to the nation,” the President said.
The late George Oduor was more than a bodyguard — he was a quiet yet powerful force in Kenya’s political narrative. From escorting the body of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga in 1994 to standing beside Raila Odinga through multiple political storms, his life embodied humility, discipline, and unwavering loyalty.
Raila concluded his tribute by declaring, “George’s death marks the end of an era, but it also celebrates the legacy of a man who gave his life to service — not for fame, but for the love of country and leader.”
George Oduor Nyangira is survived by family and friends, who remember him not just as a protector, but as a brother, a father, and a patriot whose legacy will live on in Kenya’s political memory.
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President Ruto Attends Burial of Raila Odinga’s Longtime Aide George Oduor in Siaya