By Reuben Olita
Aide-de-camp (ADC) is a term borrowed from french language, meaning a helper.
In Kenya an ADC, who is a highly trained military officer, performs ceremonial tasks such as standing behind the president and opening car doors for the head of state besides other duties.
Perhaps aide-de-camps have also been common with Uganda cultural leaders whom President Yoweri Museveni has accorded honours by availing them cars and armed body guards.
The burial of a boda boda Jeremiah Otwane in Amagoro, Teso North subcounty, who was brutally murdered by unknown assailants, was unique in the true sense of the word with a cultural leader taking centre stage.
It was laughter a minute from mourners when the Iteso Isamaa clan chairman Okone Patrick stole the show escorted by his private bodyguard armed with a club (rungu).
Besides the ceremonial task of standing behind the chairman while delivering his condolence message, “Sgt” Amos Osirang ensured he received the microphone from the master of ceremony before handing over to his boss. He did the same at the end of the chairman’s address.
“As a clan, we have different departments with security created to provide guard to the chairman. This should not be construed to mean that my bodyguard is similar to that of the head of state. Mine is only armed with a rungu,” he said.
Okone said it is the duty of the bodyguard to ensure his saftey, noting that he can make a statement, which might hurt some people who will hit him from behind without his knowledge.
“You are aware the statement made in Kakamega when he defended Mumias Sugar telling those who want to take over its management to quit or go to heaven. The remarks didn’t please some people, although the President was right,” Okone said.
Asked whether his bodyguard is paid for services rendered while executing ceremonial tasks of taking care of him during functions.
“We pay him some stipend, we also bought him uniform,” he said, adding that he had two bodyguards, but one passed on, and they have not made the replacement.
The chairman said they are perhaps the only clan in the county with a bodyguard to provide security for the chairman, challenging them to follow suit.
