Opposition leader Raila Amollo Odinga has paid glowing tribute to his dead aide and bodyguard George Oduor Nyangira.
Describing him as a person of singular fidelity and steadfast to a given cause the former Premier said George came into his life in 1995.
“I needed someone I could trust with money, important documents, and sensitive information, and George Oduor never failed. He earned a name for himself in political circles and was not merely a bodyguard. He officially became my bodyguard in 1995.”
Raila also used impressive and powerful words to describe his departed aide saying he was innocent, sincere, generous, and trustworthy.
George Oduor Nyangira was initially among a cohort of FORD youth-wingers at Agip House who offered VIP security to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Michael Kijana Wamalwa, Paul Muite, George Nthenge and James Aggrey Bob Orengo among others.
George who resided in Kaloleni Railways quarters and previously lifted weights and practiced boxing at the Dallas Muthurwa Hall was of impeccable character and his loyalty was never in question.
George Oduor Nyangira died at Nairobi West Hospital on April 2 following a short illness. He is survived by wife and children.
For close to three decades he zealously shadowed Baba earning the trust and admiration of many.
Raila said he was more than a bodyguard, though, as he could equally be entrusted with diverse issues including handling money with very high credibility.
“He stayed when others defected. He never backed down, even when the price was arrest and imprisonment.”
Raila revealed that in the tumultuous period ahead of the 1997 General Elections, George was arrested and incarcerated at Kamiti Maximum Security Prison for a whole year. Although he had not participated voluntarily in the “No Reforms, No Elections” campaigns, George was arrested alongside his chargee and when he came out of prison he showed neither bitterness nor regrets.
“He had no role in the events that led to that arrest. But he bore it with quiet dignity,” Raila said.
George was also favoured in another historical moment in 1994 to be amongst six youth chosen to be pallbearers at the death of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga in his final journey from Nairobi to Bondo.
“Even in grief, George was composed—firm with the crowds, respectful, and calm under pressure. Those were the traits that defined his entire life,” said Raila.
The role George played and excelled in required discretion, loyalty, and character. George was admired by the larger Raila family with the boisterous Winnie Odinga describing him as a mentor, hero and role-model.
George left weight lifting and boxing to take up karate. Later he would get opportunity to train as an elite bodyguard in South Africa and also in Israel.
Even at an advanced age his keen eye, deft moves and roving presence stood him out amongst the most distinguished personnel in executive protection in the larger East Africa.
“Most security aides focus only on their principals,” Mr. Odinga said, adding “George had an uncanny ability to focus on the whole surrounding at once. He sensed danger a mile away and had a unique way of dealing with every situation on its merit.”
George Oduor Nyangira will be laid to rest at his ancestral home next to Ramba School in Ndori area of Uyoma this coming weekend.
“George’s death marks the end of an era. But more importantly, it marks the celebration of a legacy—a legacy of loyalty, humility, and selfless service,” mourned Raila.
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