- Maurice Ogeta, Raila Odinga's bodyguard of over two decades, attended the one-year anniversary of his late boss at Opoda farm in Siaya
- A photo of Ogeta kneeling before Mama Ida as she held his hand during the ceremony caught the attention of many Kenyans online
- The touching moment drew an outpouring of emotional reactions from social media users across the country
Search option is now available at TUKO! Feel free to search the content on topics/people you enjoy reading about in the top right corner ;)
Maurice Ogeta, the man who stood at Raila Odinga's side as his personal bodyguard for more than 20 years, was among those who gathered at Opoda farm in Siaya on October 15, 2026, to mark one year since the veteran politician's passing.
Source: Facebook
Raila died on October 15, 2025, after suffering a cardiac arrest during a morning walk in Kerala, India.
He was remembered by many as the father of devolution and democracy, and one of Kenya's most enduring political figures. The anniversary brought together family members, close friends and leaders who shared tributes in his honour.
For Ogeta, the gathering carried particular weight. He did not only lose a boss; by all accounts, he lost a father figure and a mentor.
Search option is now available at TUKO! Feel free to search the content on topics/people you enjoy reading about in the top right corner ;)
Among the images circulating from the anniversary, one stood out above all others: Ogeta approaching Mama Ida Odinga where she sat with the family, then kneeling before her as the two shared a quiet, private conversation.
Mama Ida reached out and held his hand, the two visibly consoling one another in a moment that needed no words.
The photographs moved thousands of Kenyans who saw in that brief exchange the full weight of a shared grief that no amount of time had yet eased.
Kenyans react to heartwarming moment between Ida and Ogeta
The images sparked an emotional response across social media, with many users urging Mama Ida to take Ogeta under her wing now that Raila was gone.
Ayimba Irene wrote:
"After this interaction, Ogeta will be big news, just like Sifuna became after the hug he was told she felt he needed, I think she is truly a messenger."
Polycarp Josiah observed:
"Ogeta and Sifuna are the only people who are still mourning Raila, the rest moved on."
Fredrick Kiboro shared a personal memory, writing:
"Mimi mkikuyu ki damu lakini nimeguzwa sana na hili jambo, Kenya ukweli tumempoteza kiongozi na sana mwenye kutujalia Hali either tumemchagulia au hatujamchagua, akhi kifo ya Right Late Hon Raila imeniguza, nakumbuka yeye kupitia kibera, Kuna wakati nilinyimwa kitambulisho huku kiambu, na wakati nilialikwa kibera na rafiki nilipelekwa huko kibera na surely the same day nilirudi home na ID, hapo nikajua kibera ni stronghold ya Baba, sai my I'd husema nilichukulia kibera."
Blessed Israel Manasseh addressed Mama Ida directly:
"Sorry Mama Dr. Ida Odinga I wish I had been there to hug you. Sorry for giving us Baba alive and returned him to you dead. We failed you big time."
Bill Kola added:
"It's still fresh in our mind and we keep renewing our mind but deeply we know we are safe with you min piny Africa, we love and will always cherish you, be at peace minwa."
Carren Carree wrote:
"Baba was a true fighter, Edwin Sifuna ataendeleza hii safari kwa uwezo na mapenzi ya mwenyezi Mungu."
Source: TUKO.co.ke
Authors:
Tags:
Hot: