Maurice Ogeta spent nearly three decades as Raila Odinga’s personal security officer.
He has now opened up about the unexpected incident that brought them together in 1997, and how his gym job turned into a life-defining mission.
How did Ogeta meet Raila?
At the time, Ogeta was working as a fitness manager and gym instructor at Nairobi Safari Club. Raila, then a serving Member of Parliament, was a regular visitor to the hotel’s second-floor health club, where he would come in for his exercise sessions.
Everything changed one day when a group of roughly six men, all dressed in black suits, arrived at the health club demanding to see Raila.
They had no appointment and gave no advance notice. Ogeta grew uneasy and made his way to the steam room where Raila was relaxing and quietly asked him whether he was expecting any guests.
“His reaction said it all,” Ogeta recalled.
As the minutes passed, the number of men at the entrance swelled to between nine and ten.
Convinced something was wrong, Ogeta moved quickly. He told the men that Raila had taken a room key and sent them searching for Room 1607, a room that simply did not exist in the hotel.
While the men scrambled, Ogeta enlisted the help of a receptionist and a masseuse.
He handed Raila his own tracksuit and a cap to use as a disguise, then guided him through a staff emergency exit and out via the hotel kitchen.
What struck Ogeta most was how composed Raila was throughout the ordeal.
“Despite the tense circumstances, Odinga remained calm, even stopping to pick up a piece of fruit and eat it as they made their way out. I was more frightened than the man I was trying to protect,” Ogeta said.
With suspicious men also gathered near Raila’s regular vehicle at the main reception, Ogeta flagged down a taxi and ensured Raila reached Parliament safely.
He later briefed Raila’s driver, George Opondo, on what had transpired.
That tense afternoon at Nairobi Safari Club became the foundation of a bond that endured for 29 years, with Ogeta eventually taking up the role of Raila’s full-time personal security officer.
Kenyans weigh in
The account drew plenty of engagement online, with Kenyans sharing their thoughts:
Moses Omondi:
“Ogeta should unfold everything let somebody not compromise him..”
Mteule East Musembi Elijah:
“Baba had lived the life in 97.”
Juma Calvince CV:
“He saved the day.
Maurice Wagongo Odhiambo:
“I read it thrice, I dont know why?”
Prince PapiChulo Muliro:
“Hizi vitu mnasema mimi hakuna kitu ina add up. Wacheni tuone kama tutawai heal….”
