Maurice Ogeta, a longtime aide to Raila Odinga, has shared a harrowing experience where he used his body to shield Odinga from police bullets during the "Maandamano Tuesdays" protests in Kenya. The protests, organized by the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition, were held in response to the rising cost of living and frustration with the newly elected Kenya Kwanza government. Ogeta described the experience as the closest brush with death he's ever had.
The protests took place in 2023, with thousands of people taking to the streets of Nairobi twice a week. On one particular day, Raila's convoy was trapped in Pipeline, Embakasi, with police closing in and teargas filling the air. Ogeta recalled that the situation was chaotic, with stones being hurled at the vehicles and no clear way forward or backward. The police then began firing bullets at Raila's car, which had 11 bullet holes.
Ogeta and his team quickly grabbed Raila and pushed him down to the floor of the vehicle, piling their own bodies on top of his to create a human shield against the bullets. Ogeta said it was a matter of ensuring that they died first and let Raila die last. The situation was intense, with a fellow officer radioing through that Raila had been killed. However, Ogeta quickly radioed back to say that Raila was still alive.
Ogeta expressed gratitude that they were able to survive the ordeal, attributing it to God's intervention. He also praised the security team that protected Raila, saying it was not an easy task. After the incident, Ogeta was abducted by unknown individuals, who asked him questions that seemed unrelated to him. He later received calls from people in the US and South Africa, warning him about a video of the incident.
The video showed Professor Makau Mutua filming inside the car during the shooting, which Ogeta found puzzling. He wondered why Mutua was recording at such a critical moment, whether it was excitement or intentional. Ogeta's abductors seemed to know everything about him and his movements, raising concerns about his safety.
Ogeta also shared a personal story about being present during Raila's final moments in India, where the veteran opposition leader passed away on October 15, 2025. He recalled walking with Raila, noticing him struggle, and trying to assist him. Ogeta's account provides a glimpse into the life of a dedicated bodyguard and the challenges he faced while protecting a high-profile figure.
The incident highlights the risks faced by security personnel and politicians during protests and demonstrations. Ogeta's bravery and loyalty have been commended, and his story serves as a testament to the sacrifices made by those who protect others.
Key points
- Maurice Ogeta used his body to shield Raila Odinga from police bullets during the 2023 protests.
- The protests, known as "Maandamano Tuesdays," were organized in response to the rising cost of living and frustration with the Kenya Kwanza government.
- Ogeta was abducted by unknown individuals after the incident and later shared his experience of being present during Raila's final moments in India.
