The Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, has paid tribute to the late George Oduor, a long-time security aide to Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party leader Raila Odinga.
Oduor passed away at a city hospital on the evening of Wednesday, April 2, 2025, following a short illness.
He had served as Odinga’s bodyguard for over two decades and had been closely associated with the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga family since the late 1980s.
A requiem mass in his honor was held on Thursday, April 10, at the House of Grace Church in Nairobi, where friends and leaders joined his family in celebrating his life.
Among the leaders in attendance were Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, and ODM Party Members of Parliament Timothy Wanyonyi and Babu Owino.
Emotions ran high as the former police reservist was remembered as an honest and dependable individual who had become more like a family member to the Odinga’s.
In his message of condolence, delivered by Assistant IG Phillip Opiyo, Inspector General Kanja described Oduor as a devoted security aide who demonstrated unwavering dedication and commitment throughout his service.
IG Kanja mourns Raila’s long-term aide
He praised Oduor’s exceptional loyalty and professionalism, noting his preparedness and capabilities in providing security. The IG also highlighted that Oduor had undergone professional VIP Close Protection training both locally and internationally, including in South Africa, Israel, and the United States.
According to the Institute of Professional Security Studies (IPSS), VIP Close Protection course is aimed at equipping security personnel with the practical skills and underpinning the knowledge required for a close protection operating or working within close protection environment.
These includes assessing security threats and providing the necessary security measures to protect their principal and communicating effectively and quickly.
Also Read: Raila Odinga Aide & Bodyguard Dies
The condolence message revealed that the late George Oduor was a National Police Reservist (NPR) officer.
“George Oduor joined the Kenya Police Reserve on January 20, 2009, and transitioned to the National Police Reservist (NPR) on November 21, 2022. As an NPR officer, he served as a personal security aide with unwavering dedication and exceptional professionalism,” the statement read.
“He completed VIP Close Protection training locally and internationally, including courses in South Africa, Israel, and the United States of America. These accolades are a testament to his preparedness, skill, and contribution to security.”
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga also mourned Oduor, describing him as a dependable rock—not only to himself but to the entire Jaramogi Oginga Odinga family.
Odinga mourns George Oduor
In a statement issued on April 2, following the announcement of Oduor’s passing, Raila had described him as a pillar of support who was always present, regardless of the circumstances.
Also Read: Raila Odinga Pays Glowing Tribute to His Late Bodyguard George Oduor
He praised Oduor’s unwavering professionalism, dedication, and calm demeanor.
“We have stood, fallen, and risen together. He has been a vigilant, calm, confident, and extremely professional aide—dedicated to duty and a dependable rock by my side through tumultuous times,” said the former premier.
“I will miss George dearly. My condolences to his wife Carol George, the entire family, colleagues, and friends. Mama Ida and the entire Jaramogi family join me in expressing our heartfelt condolences. May the Almighty rest his soul in eternal peace.”
George Oduor will be laid to rest on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at his home in Ndori, near Bondo in Siaya County.
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