Former long-serving bodyguard to the late opposition chief Raila Odinga, Maurice Ogeta, has made a major leap from the shadows of personal security to the heart of county governance after being appointed to a top role in the Mombasa County Government.

In a statement released on January 8, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir confirmed that Ogeta has been appointed Advisor on Security Affairs following the formal establishment of new positions by the County Public Service Board in line with the law.

Ogeta is widely remembered as one of Raila Odinga’s most trusted security aides, a man who walked closely with the former Prime Minister through some of Kenya’s most turbulent political moments.

For years, he was not just a bodyguard, but a constant presence in Raila’s public life, earning a reputation for discipline, loyalty and quiet professionalism.

According to the governor, Ogeta’s appointment is anchored on his “many years of experience and deep institutional knowledge built at local, regional and global levels”, qualities that now place him at the centre of Mombasa’s security planning and advisory structure.

His entry into the county executive signals a deliberate shift by the Mombasa administration towards bringing in seasoned professionals with real-world experience to strengthen governance, public safety and service delivery.

At the same time, the governor announced the appointment of Ken Ambani as Advisor on Creative Arts, in a bid to bring new life into Mombasa’s vibrant but often under-supported creative industry.

Ambani brings extensive hands-on experience in the arts sector and is expected to spearhead programmes targeting artists, young creatives and cultural entrepreneurs.

“These appointments reflect our commitment to building a county government that draws from proven expertise to drive growth, innovation and public confidence,” the governor said.

For Ogeta, the appointment marks a symbolic transition: from being a silent protector in the corridors of national politics to becoming a key player shaping security policy in one of Kenya’s most strategic counties.