Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir has appointed Maurice Ogeta, the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s long-serving personal bodyguard, as a security adviser to the Mombasa County government.
The appointment was announced on Thursday, January 8, after the Mombasa County Public Service Board created new positions within the Executive Office of the Governor.
“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,” Governor Nassir said in a statement.
Under the new arrangement, Ogeta will serve as Advisor, Security Affairs. Nassir said the decision was informed by Ogeta’s many years of experience in the security sector and his exposure to high-level security operations locally, regionally and internationally.
“Maurice Ogeta has been appointed to serve as Advisor, Security Affairs, in the County Government of Mombasa. 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,” Nassir said.
Ogeta is widely known for having stood guard over Raila Odinga for nearly two decades, remaining a constant presence during political rallies, high-stakes negotiations and moments of national tension. Quiet and composed, he earned a reputation as a man of few words whose loyalty to his principal never wavered.
Even in death, Ogeta remained close to Raila, accompanying his body to its final resting place at Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County, during the burial in October last year.
During that funeral, President William Ruto announced that the national government would offer Ogeta a state job in recognition of his years of service and dedication. However, that appointment has yet to be formalised, paving the way for his new role at the county level.
Governor Nassir also made another key appointment, naming award-winning actor Ken Ambani as his Advisor on Creative Arts. The governor said Ambani’s experience would be critical in efforts to revive and grow Mombasa’s creative industry.
“I have also appointed Ken Ambani as my Advisor on Creative Arts. 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,” Nassir said.
As security adviser, Ogeta is expected to work closely with county officials and other agencies to address security concerns in Mombasa, a major port city that plays a critical role in Kenya’s economy and regional trade.
For many Kenyans, Ogeta’s appointment is seen not just as a professional transition, but as a continuation of a life spent in service moving from guarding a national political figure to helping safeguard one of the country’s most important counties.
