Gor Mahia Trust Eliud Owalo to Lead Club After Loss of Raila Odinga

Gor Mahia Football Club has installed Eliud Owalo as the new acting patron following the passing of their longtime and revered patron, Raila Odinga. This appointment ensures continuity for the club during this period of mourning and transition, as the Kenyan football giant seeks to maintain its historic legacy and pursue future success.

Key Takeaways:

• Eliud Owalo named acting patron of Gor Mahia, succeeding Raila Odinga.
• Owalo, previously deputy patron, pledges to professionalize the club and improve administration.
• Raila Odinga’s decades-long patronage helped Gor Mahia become a symbol of unity and success.
• The club aims to uphold Odinga’s legacy and reclaim domestic and continental dominance.
• Fans and officials have expressed overwhelming support for the new leadership.

Eliud Owalo: The New Leader of Gor Mahia

The club’s Executive Committee announced Eliud Owalo as the interim patron immediately after Raila Odinga’s passing in October 2025. Owalo is well-known as the head of Kenya’s Government Efficiency Office and a committed Gor Mahia supporter who served as deputy patron before his new appointment.

Owalo has promised to advance the club professionally, focusing on securing infrastructure like stadium land, enhancing player welfare, and strengthening the administrative framework to restore the club’s competitive edge. His previous tenure included significant initiatives such as purchasing the team’s current bus, reflecting his commitment to practical improvements.

Raila Odinga’s Lasting Legacy

Raila Odinga’s connection with Gor Mahia spans decades, during which he provided not just financial backing, including a KSh 10 million boost for the 2025/26 season, but also moral leadership and a unifying presence. His patronage uplifted Gor Mahia from a local club to a national and continental powerhouse.

Under Raila’s tenure, Gor Mahia won multiple Kenyan Premier League titles and competed regularly in the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup. Players nurtured during this era, like Dennis Oliech and Michael Olunga, have become Kenyan football legends.

More importantly, Raila made Gor Mahia a symbol of unity, bringing together fans across ethnic groups and fostering community pride that transcended football.

Smooth Transition for Stability

The quick appointment of Eliud Owalo was necessary to avoid a leadership vacuum after the loss of Raila Odinga. Owalo’s steady presence provides reassurance to fans and players alike during a delicate time. His pledge to maintain and build upon Odinga’s vision underscores the club’s commitment to growth and success.

What to Expect From Owalo’s Stewardship

Owalo’s vision focuses on restoring Gor Mahia’s dominance in the Kenyan Premier League and elevating its status internationally. He aims to professionalize management structures, enhance player welfare, and develop infrastructure vital for long-term sustainability.

His leadership also aims to reinforce the club’s valued identity, uniting fans, players, and stakeholders behind a shared goal of reclaiming league titles and glory in CAF competitions.

Fan and Community Response

Fans and members of the football fraternity have expressed support for Owalo’s appointment and paid tribute to Raila Odinga’s unmatched contribution. Messages flooding social media reinforce the bond between the club and its supporters, highlighting the emotional significance of this leadership change.

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Table: Gor Mahia Patrons – Comparison of Contributions

Patron	Tenure	Key Contributions	Legacy
Raila Odinga	Nearly 2 decades	Financial support, moral leadership, unity symbol	Elevated club’s national & continental success; societal impact
Eliud Owalo	Since Oct 2025	Continuity, infrastructure development, professionalism	Expected to build on Odinga’s foundation and boost club status

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Gor Mahia’s appointment of Eliud Owalo represents both a respectful farewell to Raila Odinga and the beginning of a new era aimed at sustaining the club’s rich heritage and on-field success. The entire Kenyan football community watches closely as the Green Army moves forward, inspired by the legacy of one of the game’s greatest patrons.

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