Raila Odinga’s Trusted Bodyguard Lands Powerful New Role in Mombasa Government
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir has appointed Maurice Ogeta, the long-time personal bodyguard of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, as a Security Affairs Advisor to the Mombasa County Government.
The appointment was formally announced on Thursday, January 8, following the creation of new senior advisory positions by the Mombasa County Public Service Board, a move the governor said was carried out in strict accordance with the law.
In a statement, Nassir confirmed that the appointments were intended to strengthen the executive arm of the county government, particularly in areas considered critical to governance and public service delivery.
“I have today made appointments in the Executive Office of the Governor following the establishment of positions by the Mombasa County Public Service Board, in line with the provisions of the law,” Nassir said.
The governor said Ogeta’s appointment was informed by his extensive experience in the security sector, describing him as a professional with deep institutional knowledge gained over decades of service at multiple levels.
“Maurice Ogeta has been appointed to serve as Advisor, Security Affairs, in the County Government of Mombasa,” Nassir stated.
“This appointment is informed by his many years of experience and deep institutional knowledge built at local, regional and global levels, including his service to our late Founding Party Leader, H. E. Raila Odinga, C.G.H.”
Ogeta is best known nationally for having served as Raila Odinga’s personal bodyguard for nearly two decades, a role that placed him at the centre of some of Kenya’s most defining political moments. For 18 years, he was a constant presence at Odinga’s side—during mass rallies, high-stakes negotiations and volatile political protests.
Widely regarded as calm, disciplined and intensely loyal, Ogeta earned public admiration for his unwavering dedication to protecting the veteran opposition leader, often in highly dangerous situations, particularly during tense anti-government demonstrations.
Even after Odinga’s death, Ogeta remained by his leader’s side, accompanying him to his final resting place at Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County, a moment that drew national attention and emotional tributes.
During the burial ceremony in October last year, President William Ruto publicly announced that the government would offer Ogeta a state appointment in recognition of his loyalty and years of service to the late opposition chief. However, that promise has yet to be formally fulfilled by the national government.
Ogeta’s new role in Mombasa is expected to see him work closely with county officials on security coordination, policy advice and strategic planning, particularly as the coastal city continues to grapple with complex security and urban challenges.
In the same announcement, Governor Nassir also named award-winning Kenyan actor Ken Ambani as Advisor on Creative Arts, signalling renewed focus on reviving the county’s creative and cultural industries.
“I have also appointed Ken Ambani as my Advisor on Creative Arts,” Nassir said.
“His wealth of knowledge and first-hand experience in the sector will be instrumental as we work to revive and grow the creative industry in Mombasa for the benefit of our artists, youth and the wider economy.”
The appointments come as Nassir seeks to consolidate his executive team and position Mombasa as a county that prioritises both security stability and cultural growth.
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Raila Odinga’s Trusted Bodyguard Lands Powerful New Role in Mombasa Government