Maurice Ogeta, the long-serving chief security aide and trusted companion to the late Raila Amollo Odinga, was among the few people by the opposition leader’s side in his final hours. In a viral video from India, Ogeta could be seen walking closely behind Raila during what would be his last morning exercise before collapsing on October 15, 2025.
For years, Ogeta has been a constant presence around Raila, quietly ensuring his safety in both public rallies and private life. His professionalism and composure earned him respect not only within ODM circles but also across Kenya’s political and security establishments.
Background and Family
Maurice Ogeta was born in Kondele, a vibrant neighborhood in Kisumu County, and traces his family roots to Komolo, Uyoma. Despite his long association with one of Kenya’s most public figures, Ogeta has kept his personal life private. His family only came into the public eye in 2023, when he was abducted during nationwide demonstrations, prompting emotional appeals for his safe release.
Following his recovery, Ogeta spoke about the distress his disappearance caused his family, referencing earlier personal tragedies that had made them particularly fearful during that period.
Education and Professional Training
Ogeta’s expertise stems from extensive international training in security and intelligence operations. Over a span of two decades, he studied and worked alongside elite forces around the world. Reports suggest that he trained in Afghanistan for two years and later in France for another two, specializing in protection tactics, intelligence gathering, and rapid response strategy.
His career also includes 15 years of collaboration with Israel’s special forces and a decade of experience with Russian military trainers. Through this, Ogeta mastered counter-surveillance, high-threat response, and executive protection — skills that made him indispensable to Raila Odinga’s security detail.
In addition to his tactical abilities, Ogeta is reportedly multilingual, fluent in over 15 international languages, including German, Arabic, Russian, and Chinese, which enhanced his ability to coordinate with diverse security teams across borders.
Career and Service to Raila Odinga
Maurice Ogeta’s security career spans over 25 years, with the most defining chapter being his service as chief bodyguard to Raila Odinga. Throughout turbulent political seasons, protests, and campaigns, Ogeta remained a steady and trusted figure by Raila’s side.
During the 2023 protests, Ogeta’s abduction made national headlines. Phillip Etale, Raila’s communications director, revealed that plainclothes officers believed to be from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) had taken him. After days of uncertainty, Ogeta was released and returned to duty without publicly disclosing details of his ordeal.
His unwavering loyalty was once again evident in October 2025, when he accompanied Raila to India for medical treatment. Ogeta was among the last individuals to see the former Prime Minister alive, demonstrating his dedication until the very end.
A Life of Duty and Loyalty
For those who knew him, Maurice Ogeta embodies discipline, resilience, and loyalty — qualities that defined his long association with one of Kenya’s most influential political figures. Though he has always worked behind the scenes, his role in safeguarding Raila Odinga’s life and legacy remains an integral part of the story of a man who shaped Kenya’s political destiny.
Ogeta’s calm presence in moments of crisis, his deep training, and his unwavering commitment make him one of the most trusted and respected figures in Kenya’s political security history.
