Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir has appointed Maurice Ogeta, the long-serving personal bodyguard of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, as a security adviser to the Mombasa County government.
The appointment was announced on Thursday, January 8, through an official statement from the governor’s office following the creation of new positions by the Mombasa County Public Service Board. The move is part of a broader restructuring aimed at strengthening service delivery and enhancing security coordination within the county administration.
Governor Nassir said the appointments were made in accordance with the law and were intended to reinforce the operations of 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,” Nassir stated.
Ogeta is widely known for his years of service as Raila Odinga’s trusted personal bodyguard, a role in which he earned a reputation for discipline, professionalism and loyalty. His transition into a formal advisory role at the county level is expected to bring valuable experience in security management, risk assessment and coordination with national security agencies.
Sources within the county government indicated that Ogeta’s appointment reflects Governor Nassir’s intention to tap into seasoned security expertise as Mombasa continues to grapple with urban security challenges linked to tourism, port operations and population growth.
The appointment has also drawn political attention, given Ogeta’s long association with Raila Odinga, a key figure in national opposition politics. However, county officials emphasized that the role is purely professional and focused on enhancing public safety and institutional security across Mombasa County.