A memorial service for George Oduor, the longtime personal bodyguard of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, has brought unexpected attention to his impressive rural home in Asembo, Siaya county.
The service was held on Saturday, April 11, and attended by family and friends.
Photos of the sprawling mansion surfaced online as mourners gathered for the remembrance, sparking widespread discussion across Kenya.
Oduor, who served the Odinga family for over three decades, passed away in April 2025, after a brief illness at Nairobi West Hospital.
He began his security duties under Raila’s father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, and continued faithfully with Raila through turbulent political years.
Known for his stoic demeanour and unwavering loyalty, Oduor was often described as a man willing to “take a bullet” for his principal. Raila eulogised him as a trusted aide whose quiet dedication shaped much of his political journey.
During the memorial, the public got a rare glimpse of Oduor’s private world.
His multi-storey mansion, complete with elegant architecture and modern finishes, stands prominently in the village. It was decorated with blue and white balloons for the solemn occasion.
It features an imposing exterior, manicured compound, and the set-up for the memorial, including tents and catering services.
Initially, following Oduor’s death, rumours had circulated suggesting he lived modestly or even in poverty despite his long service.
The grand home quickly dispelled those notions, highlighting that the dedicated bodyguard had built a comfortable legacy for his family.
His widow, Carol, was seen posing for photos with guests outside the mansion.
Those who attended the memorial also signed a visitors’ book set outside the home, complete with flowers and Oduor’s portrait.
Other images showed the attendees kneeling in prayer.
The memorial evoked painful memories for many Raila supporters, with some noting that the close succession of their deaths was not lost on them.
Soita A. Odiwuor:
“I remember George’s wife pleading with Raila during George’s time, then only five months later, Baba also went, this life.”
Loice Moraa:
“When George died, I knew Baba was in trouble.”
Owino Koyier:
“Baba died 6 months after his most trusted bodyguard’s death.”
Dynie Wes:
“His death was the beginning of our problems as a nation.”
Constance Atamba:
“The only true bodyguard.”
Godfrey Favour Omuok:
“Time is really flying, continue resting in peace.”
Peter Ochieng:
“Life is very unfair. How can you build such a home and not live to be 100?”
Source: Tuko
