In summary
- Ogeta first met Raila in a gym session where the duo built a camaraderie. He became Raila’s most trusted individual, and like a shadow accompanied him to every event.
The passing away of the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga is a matter that has left the country in a standstill and thousands of Kenyans continue to mourn the fallen icon.
But Maurice Ogeta, the man who served as Raila’s bodyguard and personal physiotherapist appears to have been shaken more than anyone else. When Raila’s body was lying in state at parliament buildings, Ogeta was unable to control his tears, prompting President William Ruto to intervene and console him.
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.
Loyalty to the end.
As a man who witnessed Raila breathing his last, Ogeta’s loyalty has attracted admiration from Kenyans. A video footage showed when he accompanied Raila on his last walk, walking behind him in firm, steady steps.
Even after Raila’s death, he has been seen close to his boss’s casket, sometimes with his arms held behind as he moved his face side by side, to provide security.
Ogeta mourned Raila, describing the ODM leader as a man who fought for freedom, and equalled him to 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 said.
He added: “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.”
Meeting Raila and unflinching loyalty
According to journalist Dennis Onsarigo, Ogeta first met Raila in an undisclosed gym, where they built a strong bond and he ended up serving as his personal physiotherapist and bodyguard.
“Their journey started in a gym, then Raila took him to Israel to be trained on security matters. This is a difficult time for Maurice because he was among the people so close to Raila. He understood what it meant for Raila to be silent and could even read his body language,” says Onsarigo.