Raila Odinga’s bodyguard Maurice Ogeta on Friday October 17 break down in tears when the body of the late Prime Minister was laid in state at the Parliament Buildings in Nairobi.
President William Ruto, who led senior government officials in viewing the ODM leader’s body at Parliament, stepped forward to console Ogeta after noticing he was in tears.
The Head of State, in an emotional moment, hugged Ogeta while offering him comforting words.
The President could be seen holding the hands of Raila’s bodyguard in a show of empathy and solidarity.
Narok Senator Ledama Olekina, who was with Ogeta, then held his hands and helped to move to the side.
Ogeta, who has been a longtime bodyguard of Raila, was among the few who remained by his side in India, where the ODM leader had been receiving treatment.
Following Raila’s passing away, Ogeta, together with Winnie Odinga, welcomed the Kenyan delegation sent to oversee the repatriation of the former PM’s remains back to Nairobi.
In videos seen by Uzalendo News, Ogeta broke down in tears as Raila’s body was being loaded onto the plane for the journey home.
He was comforted by Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi and other members of the delegation in a scene that has since gone viral.
After Raila’s body landed at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Ogeta’s grief became visible; viral photos showed him shedding tears as Raila’s body was being offloaded from the aircraft.
The former Prime Minister passed away on Wednesday, October 15 morning at the age of 80 after suffering a cardiac arrest during a morning walk in India.
The ODM leader was rushed to a private hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Raila is set to be laid to rest on Sunday, October 19, at his Opoda farm in Bondo, Siaya County, in a burial ceremony conducted by the Anglican Church.
