In what now appears to be his 'closeness' ODM leader Raila Odinga continues to enjoy privileges which signifies his authority in the country.

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Mr Odinga, who reconciled with President Uhuru Kenyatta last year, has often enjoyed state power including chase cars and reception by government officials in his functions.

On Friday during the memorial of Precious Talent Academy students who died early this week, his bodyguard stood behind him, replicating the roles of aide-de-camp.

Wearing a dark suit, the bodyguard, a familiar figure in Odinga's security, monitored the events while standing behind Raila, something only synonymous with heads of states.

An aide-de-camp is a security official assigned to president and usually guards him by standing behind him during functions. 

In 2016, a police officer attached to former Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi, was transferred after pausing as an aide-de-camp during a public function.

For Mr Odinga, he has lately been hosting ministers at Capitol Hill, raising questions about his role in government since the Match handshake with President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Industry, Trade and Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya recently said ministers and other government officials have to work with Mr Odinga because he has joined hands with President Kenyatta to, among others, fight corruption and unite Kenyans.

“Don’t ask the obvious,” responded Mr Munya when we asked him about Mr Odinga’s role in the Kenyatta administration. 

“People have to face the reality. There’s no need to read politics. If we are to unite the country, we should work with everyone and spread development everywhere, including areas perceived to be opposition zones.”

Raila's spokesman in a previous interview insisted that he's just an African Union High Representative for Infrastructural Development but at times he is consulted on critical issues.

“Officially, his role is that of the AU infrastructure representative and relevant government agencies have been told to work with him and facilitate his travel wherever he goes,” Mr Onyango said.

He said Mr Odinga has been helping address issues concerning sectors he is passionate about, like infrastructure, afforestation and agriculture. “Occasionally, some ministers call to consult him on various matters,” added Mr Onyango.