Maurice Ogeta recalls two times Raila nearly slapped his drivers

Maurice Ogeta, a close bodyguard to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, recounted two instances where the opposition leader nearly slapped his drivers for not respecting presidential motorcades. Speaking on October 12, 2026, Ogeta revealed a softer side of Raila that many Kenyans were unaware of, despite the latter's contentious political battles.

Ogeta explained that while Raila could be vocal about political disagreements and power-sharing arrangements, his private demeanor showed respect for established institutions. He witnessed Raila nearly slap a driver on at least two occasions, warning the driver not to endanger the motorcade. Raila emphasized that stopping for the presidential convoy was not about any particular individual president but about respecting the office itself.

The former Prime Minister intervened when his drivers appeared ready to pass by a sitting president's motorcade, insisting that the vehicle had to stop, regardless of the occupant. Ogeta described Raila's firm stance on the matter, highlighting the distinction between criticizing a president politically and ignoring the institution of the presidency. His recollections underscore the importance of respecting state protocols, even amidst political rivalries.