I Watched You Carry So Much: Widow Honours Raila's Longtime Bodyguard in Heartfelt Tribute

George Oduor, a former aide and bodyguard to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga died at the age of 57 after a brief illness. 

He will be buried in Ndori, Bondo. Oduor is survived by his wife, Caren Auma, who describes him as a devoted husband who balanced immense responsibilities with compassion and unwavering love. In her tribute, Auma highlights Oduor’s ability to provide a sense of safety and joy for his family despite the demands of his work. She emphasizes his quiet strength, patience, and enduring love, which provided stability throughout their union.

“I watched you carry so much on your shoulders. And yet you still found time to laugh, to check in on me, to make life lighter- even when yours felt heavy,” she wrote.

Raila Odinga eulogizes Oduor as a man of integrity, loyalty, and resilience, noting his commitment to serving both his family and his country. Oduor's service began with providing security for prominent political figures like Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and evolved into his role as Odinga’s aide. 

“He was simply and widely known in political circles, was not just a bodyguard. He officially became my bodyguard in 1995. But he had been with us long before that, working as part of the youth team that provided security for Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and the FORD leadership. His loyalty was never in question,” Raila said.

Odinga emphasizes Oduor’s unyielding loyalty, even when faced with adversity. Oduor's dedication was tested during the turbulent pro-democracy movement in the 1990s when he was wrongfully imprisoned on accusations of involvement in political unrest. 

“He stayed when others defected. He never backed down, even when the price was arrest and imprisonment.”

Despite this adversity, Oduor maintained his composure and dignity, earning the trust and admiration of many and solidifying his reputation as a man of principle. Odinga also praises Oduor's ability to adapt to the evolving demands of his role, offering counsel and discretion in addition to security.
Beyond his professional life, Oduor was known for his warmth and generosity. 

“Even in grief, George was composed—firm with the crowds, respectful, and calm under pressure. Those were the traits that defined his entire life,” Raila said.

Odinga describes him as an individual who transcended the traditional role of a bodyguard, forming genuine connections with those around him. His ability to combine vigilance with humanity left a lasting impression on those who knew him.