Harambee Stars legends reflect on struggles and legacy as Austine Oduor's burial is planned

National Steering Burial Committee led by chairman Eliud Owalo share ideas alongside former Harambee Stars legends and Austin Oduor family in Makunga Village.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

The echoes of Kenya's soccer history resounded with sorrow and frustration as Harambee Stars legends gathered at the home of the late Austine Oduor to plan his final farewell, scheduled for November 9 in Makunga Village, Kakamega County.

Oduor, a revered former captain for both Harambee Stars and Gor Mahia, will be remembered for his leadership in one of Kenya’s golden eras of football, but the gathering also underscored a deeper grievance felt by the veterans of Kenya's game.

The meeting, led by the National Steering Burial Committee Chairman Eliud Owalo, brought together former players from Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards, who reminisced on Oduor’s legacy and expressed growing discontent over the government's perceived neglect of Kenya’s sports legends.

“Forgotten Patriots”

Peter Dao, a former Harambee Stars and Gor Mahia player who played alongside Oduor, expressed dismay at the absence of support for retired national players.

“We played for Kenya with passion, but most of us are now languishing in poverty. There is no help or recognition after retirement, and only during medical crises or funerals do we see any support,” Dao lamented.

“We raised our country’s flag high across the continent and beyond, but in retirement, there is no honor for us.”

Dao highlighted how his generation’s contributions have largely been overlooked, which, in his view, has deprived Kenyan football of valuable insights that could elevate the sport.

“The government ought to engage the legends in nurturing grassroots talent and promoting sports. The federation is supposed to advise the government on this, but as things stand, we are entirely left out of decisions meant to take Kenyan football to greater heights.”

Dwindling quality of football

Gor Oronge, another former Harambee Stars and Gor Mahia stalwart, shared similar sentiments, attributing the decline of Kenyan football to poor management.

He pointed out the lack of attention to grassroots talent, a domain where legends like Oduor could make a significant impact.

“Our national team is mostly comprised of players from urban areas, yet the raw talent lies at the grassroots. The government should leverage the experience of former players to transform the sport,” Oronge emphasized. “Right now, our legends are neglected even when they are in dire need.”

Oronge and Dao painted a bleak picture of Kenyan football, linking the current state of the sport to the exclusion of former players from the decision-making processes that could shape its future.

The former stars reiterated the need for systemic change, not only to honor those who built Kenya’s football legacy but also to inspire a new generation of athletes.

A leader and icon mourned

The legends also reflected on Oduor’s remarkable career, during which he captained Gor Mahia to victory in the 1987 African Cup Winners' Cup (now known as the Nelson Mandela Cup), defeating Tunisian giants Espérance.

Beyond his accomplishments on the field, Oduor was celebrated for his leadership qualities, discipline, and commitment, traits that helped Gor Mahia achieve significant milestones.

“We have lost an exceptional player and leader,” said Oronge. “Oduor was strict and disciplined, which is why we achieved so much with him. His passing has left a huge void in the football fraternity, one that will be difficult to fill.”

Oduor, a key figure in Kenya’s famed Origi football dynasty, also fathered former Harambee Stars goalkeeper Arnold Origi, while being uncle to former Liverpool striker Divock Origi and brother to former Harambee Stars forward Mike Okoth Origi.

Eliud Owalo (center) flanked by Ambrose Rachier and Cleophas Shimanyula in Makunga Village. [Washington Onyango,Standard]

Final journey for a legend

Owalo, Deputy Chief of Staff in the Executive Office of the President, acknowledged the concerns raised by the legends and assured them that the government would provide a dignified send-off for Oduor.

He expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Sports under CS Kipchumba Murkomen for stepping in to support the funeral arrangements.

Owalo announced that Oduor’s body would be collected from Aga Khan Hospital on Friday, followed by a funeral service at Catholic Milimani Church before being displayed for public viewing.

It will then be transported to his rural home in Makunga Village, Navakholo constituency, Kakamega County, for a final farewell on November 9.

“Everything has been arranged. The funeral service is set, and we are committed to ensuring Oduor’s family receives all the support needed,” said Owalo.

“The government will stand with the family and honor this legend for his remarkable contributions to Kenyan football.”

Gor Mahia Chairman Ambrose Rachier and Kakamega Homeboyz Chairman Cleophas Shimanyula, both members of the burial committee, echoed Owalo’s sentiments, highlighting the importance of recognizing legends like Oduor, not only in their passing but throughout their lives.

As Kenya prepares to bid farewell to one of its greatest football icons, the plea from his peers serves as a reminder of the enduring contributions made by these veterans — heroes who, despite their glory days on the field, continue to advocate for a more inclusive and supportive legacy for future generations in Kenyan football.

Owalo was accompanied by Gor Mahia FC Chairman Ambrose Rachier; Kakamega Homeboys Chairman Cleopa Simanyula; and a host of Kenyan Soccer Legends.

These legends included John “Bobby” Ogolla; Washington Muhanji; Aggrey Lukoye; Nahashon Oluoch “Lule”; Leonard Khayota; David Ochieng “Kamoga”, Peter Dawo; Dennis Munyendo; James Goro Oronge; Ben Musuku; George Onyango “ Fundi”; Dan Musuku;Tobias Ocholla “Jua Kali”; Maurice Khayota; Isaih Omondi “Janabi”;Maurice Ouma “Ole Tunda”;and Micke Otieno.