Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has penned a tribute to George Oduor, the fallen aide and bodyguard of Raila Odinga who passed away on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 after a short ilness.
In a statement on his X account on Thursday, April 3, 2025, the ODM Secretary General lauded Oduor’s grace and unique dedication to what he described as the toughest task of guarding the former prime minster.
Sifuna recounted his meeting with Oduor as he embarked on his political journey, referencing the aide’s numerous interventions as instrumental in helping him wade the murky political waters.
Held my hand
“Being Baba’s bodyguard is easily the toughest job in Kenyan politics. George Oduor did it with quiet grace and steadfast dedication. Back when I was new in Mzee’s circles, I would never have got the hang of things were it not for George’s guidance. See, you can’t just “be around” Mzee. It’s very very complicated and I will always be grateful to George for holding my hand. May his soul rest in peace,” Sifuna’s statement read in part.
Oduor was reported dead on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, after a short illness having been admitted at a Nairobi Hospital.
His demise prompted an outpouring of grief with politicians and media personalities mourning the former aide of the veteran opposition figure.
Raila, in his tribute this Thursday, April 3, 2025, thanked the aide who served him since the late 1980s.
The former Premier hailed the fallen man as a vigilant, calm, confident, extremely professional, dedicated to duty and a dependable rock on his side over the years through tumultuous periods.
Tributes flowing
“It is with profound shock and sadness that I announce the passing of my personal aide and bodyguard George Oduor this evening in Nairobi after a short illness,” Odinga noted in a statement.
“I will miss George, and I am sorry to the myriad friends who miss him already. To his wife, Carol George, entire family, colleagues, and friends, I offer Mama Ida’s and the entire Jaramogi family’s sincere condolences at this devastating loss,” Raila added.
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris, Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai and ODM Youth League member Kasmuel McOure have also paid tribute to Oduor.