Oparanya waives Bukhungu Stadium fees for Isaac Juma’s final journey

The late Isaac Juma waves the Kenyan flag during Mashujaa Day Celebrations at Afraha stadium in Nakuru on October 10, 2016. [KIPSANG JOSEPH]

The final journey for slain AFC Leopards and Harambee Stars stalwart Isaac Juma has begun.

Following his massive popularity, the funeral is expected to draw huge crowds which forced the family to settle for stadiums in the county.

The body is set to arrive tomorrow morning at Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega for public viewing before heading to Mumias for a similar exercise.

The county government of Kakamega has granted the family of the football legend free utility of the stadium.

Through the Office of the Governor, the county government has given the family free use of the stadium.

According to the county government, some unnamed people had tried to swindle the family money for the ground hire but the county boss came out to assure the family of their support.

Oparanya condemned those who were using the funeral to get money from the bereaved family.

“My attention has been drawn to claims that my government is asking for a Sh100,000 fee from the family of the late Juma before allowing them to use Bukhungu Stadium for public viewing of his body.

The county has not asked for any money from the bereaved family before allowing them to use the stadium.

I urge Juma's fans to ignore the rumours. The County has allowed the bereaved family to use the Stadium for free,” read a statement from the governor.

During a meeting with the family last week, the county boss also pledged to offset funeral expenses that amount to Sh1.5 million and also assist Juma’s school-going children.

Other leaders who have supported the family include the immediate former Ketraco Managing Director Fernandes Baraza.

Baraza who is angling to replace Oparanya as the county boss pledged to stand with the family during the funeral preparation and also educate Juma's siblings.

The father of 13, was hacked to death at his home in Mumias late last month leading to a nationwide outcry from football fans.