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FKF Premier LeagueYour dugout for Kenya’s top flight: tactical deep dives, match reports, and the drama beyond the 90 minutes. From Sofapaka to Tusker – we’ve got angles.
Community ImpactCommunity Impact & Stories is a dedicated section celebrating the powerful role football plays in shaping communities across Kenya. Here, we share inspiring journeys of players, highlight youth empowerment programs, showcase the contributions of women and local clubs, and explore how the sport promotes health, education, and social cohesion. This section connects fans, volunteers, and stakeholders through authentic stories and multimedia content that reflect football’s deep impact beyond the pitch, fostering unity and growth within Kenya’s vibrant football culture.
Now Reading:Raila Odinga: Longtime Gor Mahia Patron and Pillar of Kenyan Football Mourned After Passing
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Raila Odinga: Longtime Gor Mahia Patron and Pillar of Kenyan Football Mourned After Passing
FKF Premier League//Your dugout for Kenya’s top flight: tactical deep dives, match reports, and the drama beyond the 90 minutes. From Sofapaka to Tusker – we’ve got angles.
Community Impact//Community Impact & Stories is a dedicated section celebrating the powerful role football plays in shaping communities across Kenya. Here, we share inspiring journeys of players, highlight youth empowerment programs, showcase the contributions of women and local clubs, and explore how the sport promotes health, education, and social cohesion. This section connects fans, volunteers, and stakeholders through authentic stories and multimedia content that reflect football’s deep impact beyond the pitch, fostering unity and growth within Kenya’s vibrant football culture.
The passing of Raila Odinga has left Kenya in deep mourning, affecting both the nation’s politics and its sporting world. The Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga was more than a political icon — he was a beloved national figure whose lifelong commitment to public service and genuine love for football earned him admiration across generations.
Confirmation was received that Odinga, aged 80, passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, while receiving medical treatment at a hospital in India.
Table of Contents
Details of His Passing
Reports indicate that the former Prime Minister collapsed during an Ayurvedic treatment session in Kerala, India. According to Indian police sources, he suddenly collapsed while walking. At the time, he was accompanied by his sister, daughter, and personal doctor, as well as Kenyan and Indian security officers.
He was rushed to a nearby private hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Gor Mahia FC (K’Ogalo) Leads the Mourning
Record Kenyan football champions Gor Mahia FC, where Odinga served as longtime club patron, led tributes to the fallen statesman.
In a heartfelt statement shared on social media, the club expressed its deep sorrow:
“Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of our beloved Patron, the Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga. He was a guiding light and a tremendous support to our club. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones. May he rest in perfect peace.”
Financial and Moral Support to Gor Mahia
His Generosity and Financial Commitment
Despite his towering political stature, Odinga always valued the unifying power of sports. Gor Mahia FC, in particular, benefited immensely from his generosity and patronage.
Just weeks before his passing, at the start of October 2025, Odinga made a significant financial donation of KSh 10 million to the club to support administrative functions and aid in their 2025/2026 SportPesa Premier League campaign.
The club described the contribution as a “monumental gift”, acknowledging it as a testament to his “unwavering commitment and truly generous gesture.”
Odinga’s involvement went far beyond financial assistance. He frequently met with Gor Mahia executives and players, taking time to understand their challenges and motivate them to strive for excellence.
During a recent visit to the team’s residence in Karen, he personally encouraged the players to fight hard to reclaim the league title, which had eluded them the previous season. His presence served as a powerful morale booster and reflected his genuine love for Kenyan football.
Raila Odinga’s Broader Legacy in Kenyan Football
Odinga’s influence extended far beyond Gor Mahia. He was a steadfast supporter of Kenyan football across all levels — from grassroots to national programs.
Grassroots Development and Inclusivity
Grassroots Initiatives: He championed programs like SportPesa Tujiamini Cheza Dimba, which offered young and upcoming players a platform to showcase their talents.
Elevating Standards: Under his guidance, regional teams received sponsorships, enabling them to compete more professionally and raising the overall standard of local football.
Inclusivity: Odinga was an advocate for both men’s and women’s football, pushing for equality and opportunity in sports development.
Through these efforts, Odinga was not merely a benefactor but a mentor — someone who deeply understood the power of sports to unite communities and shape character.
Political Legacy of Raila Odinga
Beyond football, Raila Odinga’s political journey remains one of Kenya’s most storied. A master strategist, mass mobilizer, and champion of democracy, Odinga’s career was marked by resilience and courage.
Political Fact/Event
Details
Presidential Aspirations
Ran unsuccessfully for the presidency five times
Core Legacy
Remembered for his fight for democracy and human rights
Status
Former political prisoner; Kenya’s longest-serving detainee under Moi era
Struggle Context
Detained under Daniel arap Moi’s one-party dictatorship
Historical Note
His 1982 imprisonment following a coup attempt thrust him into national prominence
His life’s work defined Kenya’s push for multiparty democracy and civil freedoms, earning him enduring respect and admiration across generations.
Conclusion
The passing of Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga marks the end of an era for Kenya. His influence — as a political visionary and as a passionate patron of football — leaves a lasting imprint on the nation’s history.
His recent KSh 10 million donation to Gor Mahia, his steadfast support for grassroots football, and his inclusive vision for sports development embody a legacy that transcends politics.
As Kenya mourns, Gor Mahia FC and the entire sporting fraternity remember not just a leader, but a true friend of the game — a man whose spirit will continue to inspire future generations.
“May the soul of Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga rest in eternal peace.”
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