Maurice Ogeta Disputes Winnie Odinga’s Claim That Raila Died in Her Arms

Maurice Ogeta, the longtime bodyguard of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, has made fresh claims about the people who were present when the veteran politician died in India in October 2025.

Ogeta, who worked closely with Raila for nearly three decades, said he and Dr Olunya were the only people around the former Prime Minister at the time of his death.

According to a report by The Daily Whistle published on October 12, 2026, Ogeta disputed claims that Raila’s daughters, Winnie and Ruth Odinga, were present when he took his last breath.

He reportedly said that the family was informed about the death later, after he had discussed the situation with Dr Olunya.

Ogeta has also recounted the events leading to Raila’s final moments, describing how they had gone for their usual morning walk when the former Prime Minister suddenly appeared to experience difficulty walking.

Speaking about the incident, Ogeta said he was walking approximately one metre behind Raila when he noticed that something was wrong. He tried to find out whether Raila was experiencing back or leg pain before attempting to help him.

Raila was subsequently rushed to Devamatha Hospital in Kerala, India, where medical personnel attempted to save his life. Ogeta later described the signs that made him suspect his longtime employer had died, including hospital staff preparing for prayer near the resuscitation area.

However, Ogeta’s latest account differs from statements previously made by members of the Odinga family.

During Raila’s memorial service at Nyayo National Stadium on October 17, 2025, Winnie said she was with her father in India when he took his last breath. She strongly defended the family’s account amid speculation circulating online about the circumstances surrounding his death.

Raila’s elder brother, Oburu Odinga, had also said that Winnie was walking with Raila when the incident occurred, while Ruth was also with him during the emergency, according to an earlier report by The Star.

The differing accounts have renewed public interest in what happened during Raila’s final hours. Ogeta’s statements reflect his recollection of the events, while Winnie and other family members have previously given their own accounts.

Raila Odinga died in India on October 15, 2025, aged 80. His death marked the end of a decades-long political career that included serving as Kenya’s Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013.

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