President William Ruto has expressed appreciation for Raila Odinga’s long-serving aide, Maurice Ogeta, pledging to involve him in efforts to safeguard the former Prime Minister's legacy.
Speaking during Raila's funeral on Sunday, October 19, Ruto commended Ogeta for his loyalty and years of service, recalling moments from their shared political past under the ODM Party.
"I must thank Raila Odinga's security people, Maurice Ogeta especially. Thank you very much, Maurice, for standing with Raila always. I remember Maurice; in our days of ODM, this Maurice used to wipe our shoes when we came late from campaign," he said.
Ruto promised that the government would ensure Ogeta remains part of the initiatives to honor and preserve Raila’s legacy.
"Maurice, I want to tell you, the Government of Kenya, as we look after Raila's legacy, you too will stand guard with us to look after Raila's legacy," he added.
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On Friday, October 17, Ogeta broke down in tears when the body of the late Prime Minister was laid in state at the Parliament Buildings in Nairobi.
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.
Ruto 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 Nairobileoco.ke, 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.
