Philip Etale, the Communications Director of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), has announced the release of Maurice Ogeta, who serves as the bodyguard of Azimio leader Raila Odinga, from police custody.
In a tweet on Saturday, July 22, 2023, Etale revealed that Ogeta was released just a few minutes before 1:00 am. However, during his release, he was blindfolded and left in the middle of the road in Ruai, heading towards Kangundo.
“Maurice Ogeta, the bodyguard of @RailaOdinga was released from police custody a few minutes to 1:00 am and driven while blindfolded and left in the middle of the road in Ruai towards Kangundo. His car was vandalized. Nevertheless, he is happy to be alive but still distraught & in shock,” Etale tweeted.
The High Court had previously intervened in Ogeta’s detention, with Justice L.N Mugambi issuing a directive on Friday. This followed an urgent application filed by Ogeta’s brother, Christopher Onyango Ogettah, demanding that the police produce Maurice Ogeta before any court in Kenya for an inquiry into the issue of his detention.
“That, pending the hearing and determination of this application inter-parties, a write of habeas corpus is hereby issued directing the 2nd Respondent to produce Maurice Ogeta before a court of competent jurisdiction in Nairobi or any other Court within the Republic of Kenya for an inquiry into the issue of his detention, “the judge ruled.
Ogeta’s ordeal began on Wednesday morning when he was reportedly accosted by unknown assailants suspected to be police officers while on his way to work from home. He was allegedly flagged down and forcibly placed in the trunk of his car.
Both Raila Odinga and Ogeta’s family members had called for his immediate release during his time in custody. Ogeta is among several individuals and leaders aligned with the opposition chief who was arrested in connection with the three-day anti-government protests that concluded on Friday.