Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga has mourned his long-serving aide and bodyguard George Oduor in a heartfelt tribute.

Raila, in a statement shared via his official social media accounts, mourned George Oduor as a dependable rock.

This, Raila says, is not only to him but also to the larger Jaramogi Oginga Odinga family.

The former Prime Ministee described George Oduor, who passed on Wednesday, April 2, as someone who was always vigilant and extremely professional in discharging his duties, noting that he will dearly miss him.

“George has been a part of Jaramogi’s and my family since the late 80’s. We have stood, fallen, and risen together. He has been a vigilant, calm, confident, and extremely professional aide dedicated to duty and dependable rock on my side all these years through tumultuous periods. I will miss George, and I am sorry to the myriad friends who miss him already,” Raila said.

George Oduor died on Wednesday while undergoing treatment at a city hospital.

“To his wife, Carol George, entire family, colleagues, and friends, I offer Mama Ida’s and the entire Jaramogi family’s sincere condolences at this devastating loss. May the almighty rest his soul in eternal peace.”

The late Oduor started working with Raila’s father, Mzee Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, in the late 1980s and joined Raila’s team after the death of Jaramogi in 1994.

Oduor is also said to have been a police reservist and attended VIP protection training locally and internationally.

Although not much is known about Oduor’s personal life, he has been the most visible of Raila’s security detail.

Several leaders allied to Raila, including Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir and his Siaya counterpart James Orengo, have also sent messages of condolence to the family of Oduor and the former Prime Minister for their loss.