Mombasa Governor inherits former Raila bodyguard Ogeta in new advisory role

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir has appointed Maurice Ogeta, the long-serving personal bodyguard of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, as Advisor on Security Affairs in the county government.

The move comes almost three months after Ogeta remained jobless despite national-level commitments to recognise his loyalty and service.

Ogeta’s appointment, announced on Thursday, places one of Raila’s most trusted aides at the centre of Mombasa’s security advisory framework.

Mr Nassir said the role was informed by Ogeta’s “many years of experience and deep institutional knowledge built at local, regional and global levels,” including his time serving Raila Odinga.

The position was created following approval by the Mombasa County Public Service Board.

At Raila Odinga’s state funeral in October 2025, President William Ruto publicly acknowledged Ogeta’s loyalty and pledged support.

“I must thank Raila Odinga’s security people, Maurice Ogeta especially, for standing with Raila always,” Ruto said, recalling that “in our days in ODM… this Maurice used to wipe our shoes when we came late for campaigns.”

Dr Ruto went on to make a commitment that appears to have shaped expectations for Ogeta’s public service role.

“As this government preserves Raila’s legacy, we will also take care of you and all those who looked after him.”

In addition to Ogeta’s security advisory post, Governor Nassir also appointed Mr Ken Ambani as Advisor on Creative Arts to help drive growth in the county’s cultural economy.

Mr Ambani is a veteran Kenyan actor and former Mombasa County Executive Committee Member for Public Service, Administration, Youth, Gender, Social Services and Sports.

The dual appointments reflect Mr Nassir’s broader strategy of blending political experience, sector expertise and symbolic continuity within his administration — with Ogeta’s role carrying particular symbolic weight given his association with Raila Odinga’s legacy.