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The passing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga leaves a significant void in Kenyan football, particularly for Gor Mahia FC, where his decades-long patronage and financial support were instrumental in the club's success and the broader development of the sport.
The Kenyan sports community is mourning the death of former Prime Minister and ODM leader Raila Amolo Odinga, who passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, in India. Beyond his extensive political career, Odinga will be remembered for his profound and lifelong passion for football, a sport he actively played in his youth and championed throughout his public life. His influence on Kenyan football, especially as the long-serving patron of Gor Mahia FC, is widely regarded as unparalleled.
Odinga's connection to football was deeply personal and extended beyond mere spectatorship. He played for Luo Union FC, a precursor to Gor Mahia, and later for Bunge FC during his tenure as a Member of Parliament for Lang'ata. This firsthand experience fueled his commitment to nurturing local talent and developing sports infrastructure. His dedication culminated in the completion of the 20,000-seat Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay in May 2025, a testament to his vision for youth and sports development.
Football in Kenya has historically been intertwined with political narratives. Before the advent of multi-party democracy, political figures often used football platforms to engage with the public and advance their agendas. This tradition saw Odinga's father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, and trade unionist Tom Mboya, heavily involved with Gor Mahia's predecessors. Raila Odinga continued this legacy, using football as a unifying force and a means to connect with Kenyans across various divides. His animated football metaphors during political campaigns, where he often cast himself as a captain or striker, resonated deeply with the public.
While government spending on sports in Kenya has historically been minimal, with much of it directed towards maintaining key facilities like the Moi International Sports Centre and Nyayo Stadium, Odinga's personal initiatives often filled critical gaps. The Sport Act of 2013 aimed to provide guidelines for sports governance, but political interference and mismanagement of funds have often hampered sustainable development. Odinga's direct financial contributions and advocacy often bypassed these systemic challenges, providing immediate relief and support to clubs and players.
Gor Mahia FC, Kenya's most successful club, benefited immensely from Odinga's patronage for nearly two decades. He was not merely a ceremonial figure but an active supporter, frequently attending matches, hosting players, and providing substantial financial aid. Just weeks before his death, he pledged KSh 10 million to support Gor Mahia's 2025/2026 season operations, and previously rewarded the team with KSh 1 million after their advancement in the CAF Champions League. Following his demise, Gor Mahia's executive committee appointed Eliud Owalo, formerly the Deputy Patron, as the acting club patron, acknowledging the immense void left by Odinga. The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president Hussein Mohammed also mourned Odinga, recognizing him as one of local football's strongest supporters.
Odinga's support extended to the national team, Harambee Stars. He was a loyal fan, attending matches and personally motivating players. During Kenya's run in the CHAN 2024 tournament, he promised each player KSh 500,000 after their victory over Zambia, a gesture that underscored his commitment to uplifting local talent.
The departure of a figure like Raila Odinga, who provided consistent and substantial personal support to football, highlights the vulnerability of Kenyan sports to individual patronage. While his contributions were invaluable, the reliance on such figures can mask underlying systemic issues within sports governance and funding. The challenge now lies in establishing sustainable structures and funding mechanisms that do not solely depend on the philanthropy of individuals. Political interference in local football activities has led to suspensions by FIFA in the past, underscoring the need for robust and independent sports management.
While Odinga's passion for football is widely acknowledged, the long-term impact of political figures' involvement in sports, particularly through direct sponsorship of tournaments, has been a subject of debate. Some analysts suggest that such involvement, while providing immediate benefits, can sometimes contribute to short-termism and a lack of focus on sustainable development within the sports sector. The extent to which Odinga's political influence shaped specific outcomes in football, beyond his direct support, remains a complex area for analysis.
Raila Amolo Odinga passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, in India. Following his demise, Gor Mahia FC's executive committee announced the elevation of Eliud Owalo to acting club patron on Thursday, October 16, 2025. Weekend sports events in Kenya were suspended in his honour. Preparations for his repatriation are underway.
The Kenyan football fraternity will be watching closely to see how Gor Mahia FC navigates the post-Odinga era, particularly regarding financial stability and leadership. The appointment of Eliud Owalo as acting patron signals a continuation of political involvement, but the nature and extent of his support will be crucial. Furthermore, the broader discussion around sustainable funding models for Kenyan sports, reducing reliance on individual benefactors, and strengthening governance structures will likely gain renewed urgency.
