Raila Odinga’s Bodyguard Maurice Ogeta Recounts Former PM’s Final Moments in India

Maurice Ogeta, the longtime bodyguard of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, has recounted the emotional moments leading to the veteran politician’s death in India, revealing that he collapsed while taking his routine morning walk.

Speaking during an interview on KTN News, Ogeta recalled the morning of October 15, 2025, when Raila was undergoing treatment at an Ayurvedic facility in Kerala, India.

The two had set out for their usual morning exercise, walking around a 50-metre loop within the villa’s grounds. According to Ogeta, Raila intended to complete five laps that morning.

However, their routine took a tragic turn midway through the second lap.

Raila Suddenly Stopped Walking

Ogeta recalled that Raila completed the first lap without any difficulty before suddenly stopping halfway through the second.

Standing approximately a metre away, the bodyguard said he heard the former Prime Minister utter a faint sound resembling “Aai” or “Aih”, which he now believes may have been his final word.

Ogeta said he immediately asked Raila whether he was experiencing pain in his back or leg, but the veteran politician did not respond.

He noticed that Raila’s eyes appeared fixed on something in the distance before his body gave way and he slumped against him.

“The patron died walking. He did not die in bed,” Ogeta said during the interview.

“It was unfortunate because I was only about a metre away from him.”

Raila was rushed to hospital in an ambulance, with the journey taking approximately five to 10 minutes.

Ogeta said the events that unfolded upon their arrival left him deeply shaken as medical personnel worked to revive the former Prime Minister.

Bodyguard Worried as Doctors Performed CPR

Ogeta recalled watching doctors perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on Raila, with the force used during the procedure raising concerns about possible rib injuries.

He said he approached Dr Lumi to ask whether Raila could sustain broken ribs during the resuscitation process.

“I had to ask Dr. Lumi, like, even if he gets back to himself, I think we’ll still admit him here because maybe some of the ribs will be broken,” he recalled.

According to Ogeta, the doctor explained that rib fractures can sometimes occur during CPR because of the force required to perform effective chest compressions.

His anxiety reportedly intensified when he noticed a Bible, a candle and a piece of cloth being laid out near the resuscitation area.

“I see a bible, I see a candle, like no, I see a certain kitamba (cloth), then I’m like, Dr. look, are you sure we are okay?” he recounted.

The items heightened his fears as he continued hoping that the medical team would manage to revive his longtime boss.

Raila Was Pronounced Dead at 80

Doctors at Devamatha Hospital in Koothattukulam, Kerala, confirmed that Raila arrived following a cardiac arrest with no detectable pulse or blood pressure.

The former Prime Minister was pronounced dead on October 15, 2025, aged 80.

His death brought an end to a political career spanning decades and triggered an outpouring of grief from Kenyans and leaders across the world.

For Ogeta, however, the loss was deeply personal, given the years he had spent working closely with Raila.

The bodyguard broke down in tears when Raila’s body arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) the following day.

He remembered the former Prime Minister as more than an employer, describing him as a mentor, friend and father figure who had become an important part of his life.