Raila Odinga Fights Back Tears as George Oduor's Casket Is Lowered into Grave
- Raila Odinga described George Oduor as more than a bodyguard, calling him family and a fiercely loyal companion
- After a moving funeral service, Oduor’s casket was lowered into the grave beside his grand home
- Oduor’s widow cried in pain while bidding him farewell, and Raila got emotional seeing the man who had protected them for decades gone
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George Oduor, Raila Odinga’s bodyguard since 1995, has been buried at his home in Siaya county.
Source: UGC
How was George Oduor buried?
During the Saturday, April 12, funeral service, Raila paid a heartfelt tribute to Oduor while describing him as family.
The former prime minister said that Oduor would readily put his life on the line for him.
“George is part of our family. It is now 10 years since we lost our first son, Fidel, and George is now gone. So painful indeed. If you say there is a person ready to take a bullet for you, it is George.
I've known a few people who can be as dedicated as he was.”
Raila said he sent George for training in South Africa, Israel and the US and recounted their travels together.
“When you look at his report, it is very exemplary. We have around the world. We have been with him on five of the seven continents.”
After the service at a local primary school, the casket was transported to his majestic home.
Source: Facebook
Raila sat in a tent next to President William Ruto as the wise man sat next to the grave.
The grave was dug next to Oduor's majestic, two-storey mansion. Tens of Raila's security team who served with George stood around the grave with white tiles.
The grieving widow found it hard to stay calm as she held back the tears.
Raila seemed to be deep in contemplation as he listened to the final sermon.
The pallbearers then placed Oduor's casket, draped in ODM colours, on top of the lowering device.
The ODM flag was then removed before the casket was slowly lowered into his final resting place, as singers belted a gospel song.
Oduor's widow could not hold back the tears as she cried. Raila seemed like he would break down into tears at any moment.
Source: Facebook
Church members and the family were summoned to throw soil into the grave, as well as Raila and Ruto.
“Here we pay the last rites of the living to the departed. Ash to ash, dust to dust. The spirit has gone to God who gave it.”
Wreaths were placed around the grave as Raila bowed in respect.
Source: UGC
Kenyans paid tribute to Oduor by writing:
Bushbaby Osum Nyakwar Helida:
“Very sombre mood indeed.”
King's M Dorminic:
“Fare thee well.”
Elly Reds Odhiambo:
“Rest with the angels, legend.”
Source: UGC
What is George Oduor's history?
Oduor began his journey with Raila as part of a youth team offering protection to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and FORD leaders.
He became Raila’s official bodyguard, gaining trust through loyalty and calm under pressure.
He faced multiple arrests due to his links with the opposition, including nearly a year at Kamiti.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
