Saturday, April 12, 2025

He was willing to take a bullet for me – Raila’s glowing tribute to George

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The burial of George Oduor in Rarieda, Siaya County, on Saturday, April 12, 2025. PHOTO/PCS

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has continued to mourn his long-serving body guard George Oduor. 

Speaking during his funeral service at Ramba High School in Siaya County on Saturday, April 12, 2025, Raila mourned Oduor as a highly determined and committed security personnel whom he trusted with his life. 

He shared that George was among the few people who possessed such great skills of determination, adding that he was one to take a bullet for him. 

“It is very painful and difficult for me to talk about George. He was someone who would take a bullet for you; I have known only a few people who are as committed and dedicated as him. 

George Oduor seen covering his boss Raila Odinga with an umbrella in an old undated photo.
George Oduor seen covering his boss Raila Odinga with an umbrella in an old undated photo. PHOTO/@RobertAlai/X

Raila also dived into his remarkable experience citing his extensive training that he received in South Africa, Israel and the United States, after his recruitment as body guard. 

The orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader equally shared George’s strong abilities to sense danger, guaranteeing him safety throughout their trips together. 

“He is a very intelligent, observant; you would think he is a fool when he is next to you, but he is looking out for potential hazards and will warn you if a place is not safe. 

“After we recruited him, we sent him for training in South Africa where he came top of his class, later on w e sent him to Israel where he trained for three months, so when you look at his report it is exemplary. He was a highly trained officer, he knows how to sense trouble and warn you. We knew each other so closely,” he said. 

Hundreds of mourners attended the funeral including dignitaries such as President William Ruto and other leaders from the political divide including Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, Governors James Orengo (Siaya), Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay), Anyang’ Nyong’o (Kisumu), and several Members of Parliament.

He was willing to take a bullet for me – Raila’s glowing tribute to George
President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in Rarieda, Siaya County, for the burial of George Oduor on Saturday, April 12, 2025. PHOTO/PCS

Oduor died while undergoing treatment at a city hospital on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. 

He began his career as a security detail for Jaramogi Odinga Odinga before later transitioning to serve Raila after Odinga’s demise.