Harambee Stars Forward Ryan Ogam Honors Raila Odinga with Tribute

Kenyan football fans were deeply touched when Harambee Stars striker Ryan Ogam paid tribute to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. The meeting between the two came at a significant time in Ryan’s blossoming career and left a lasting impression on the young star.

Key Takeaways:

• Ryan Ogam met Raila Odinga just before leaving for Austria to join Wolfsberger AC.
• Odinga welcomed Ogam and his parents with blessings for his career leap.
• Ryan scored vital goals in CHAN and 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, boosting his profile.
• Raila Odinga was a passionate patron of Kenyan football, especially Harambee Stars and Gor Mahia.
• Ogam described Odinga as an “enigma” and honored his lasting legacy on and off the pitch.

A Farewell with Blessings from Raila Odinga

Just a month before his passing, Raila Odinga summoned Ryan Ogam and his parents, Mr. Daudi Obonyo Rabok and Mrs. Edith Atieno Oderah, to his office for a special farewell. This moment was more than just a goodbye—it was a passing of faith and encouragement from a leader dedicated to Kenya’s youth and sports development.

Daudi, Ryan’s father, is a former footballer who played for clubs like Gor Mahia, Ngara Pelico, and Mahakama FC, and is also the Chairman of the Starehe ODM Party branch, founded by the late Raila Odinga. The family’s meeting with Odinga symbolized unity between politics, football, and community.

In his message, Odinga expressed his pride and encouragement:
“Farewell and best wishes to Ryan Ogam. Today, I had the pleasure of bidding farewell to Ryan as he departs for Austria. He was accompanied by his proud parents, Mr. Daudi Rabok Obonyo and Mrs. Edith Atieno Oderah. I took the opportunity to congratulate Ryan for his outstanding scoring skills during the recent CHAN tournament and World Cup qualifiers. His performance has been nothing short of exemplary. As he embarks on this exciting new chapter, we wish him the very best. Go make Kenya proud! Sports is a powerful economic industry with immense potential in our country, one we must support and explore to its fullest.”

The Rise of a Kenyan Star

Ryan Ogam’s journey has been extraordinary. He captured the hearts of Kenyan football fans with standout performances in the African Nations Championship (CHAN), scoring crucial goals against football heavyweights Morocco and Zambia, helping Kenya to memorable wins.

His fine form continued in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers where he netted a goal against Gambia and followed it with a brace against Seychelles. These performances elevated his profile and earned him a historic transfer from the Kenyan Premier League directly to Wolfsberger AC in Austria’s Bundesliga—a remarkable leap that few Kenyan players have made.

Raila Odinga’s Passion for Kenyan Football

Beyond politics, Raila Odinga was a devoted patron of football, often attending Harambee Stars games and supporting Gor Mahia, a club he was passionately connected with. His love for sports was seen in his constant appearances and encouragements at football venues across the country.

Ryan Ogam summed up Odinga’s impact with a heartfelt Instagram message:
“ENIGMA!! You carried the nation’s pain with a smile and its hope with silence. How you viewed sports shows the love and passion you had for it. Your legacy will live forever. RIP Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga”

Football as a Beacon of Hope

For the young striker, the meeting was not just a farewell but a blessing from a leader who believed deeply in Kenya’s youth and the power of sports to transform lives. As Ryan embarks on his professional journey in Europe, he carries with him the dreams of the nation and the blessings from a man whose influence transcended politics.

Kenyan football fans continue to celebrate both the legacy of Raila Odinga and the rise of talents like Ryan Ogam, who symbolize hope and pride for the country.

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