Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has divulged details on his long-term friendship with his security aide George Oduor, who died last week.
In a tribute on Thursday, April 10, Raila detailed that George was one of the personnel who worked with his father Jaramogi Odinga in the opposition party.
After the death of Jaramogi, the former premier acknowledged that the Odinga family was faced with a dilemma as they had to reorganize the team for the family and party.
He expressed that his family did not have any doubts in picking the security aide, given his loyalty and dedication.
He described George as an honest man who could be trusted with valuables, including money.
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"In that reorganization, we agreed to take George as personal security and aide. This was a very challenging and uncertain time. I was looking for someone who was loyal and honest, who could be trusted with things like money, important documents and information," Raila wrote.
"Just as I had hoped, George turned out to be a person of impeccable character; innocent, sincere, generous and trustworthy. You could trust George with money, instruct him on where it is to be spent, and I could be sure it would reach the intended recipient. He would pick a precious item you left behind and hand it to you intact."
On the other hand, he noted that the security aide was like family to him and always insisted on taking him to India whenever he was going for treatment.
According to Raila, he also wanted George to get his medical checkups during the trip.
"I had a chance to secure training opportunities for George in South Africa and Israel. Each of the institutions he attended gave him very high commendations and the end of the courses," Raila added.
"He, therefore, turned out to be a man of great vigilance and a cornerstone of my security operations with meticulous attention to detail."
On her part, EALA MP Winnie Odinga described George to be a compassionate man who always taught her things on security and football.
"Between your police reserve training, you’d come home and spend afternoons teaching me football," Winnie added.
"I can still picture you on the veranda, ball in hand, waiting for me after school, probably thinking, 'If I can teach this tough little girl just one thing, then I can save the world!' - And you did, George, you saved our world countless times."
