Kenyan sports fraternity mourns Raila Odinga, say he lived and breathed football

The Kenyan sports community has joined millions across the nation in mourning the death of former Prime Minister, ODM Party leader and long serving Gor Mahia patron Raila Amollo Odinga who passed away on Wednesday while receiving treatment in India.
Fondly known as Baba, Raila who had lived for 80 years will be remembered not only as a reformist, democrat and a leader but also as a sports lover- specifically football — a sport he loved, supported, and often credited his love of the sport for helping him develop a philosophical attitude towards the rough-and-tumble world of politics.
For decades, Agwambo embodied the spirit of Kenyan football by featuring in stadiums across the country whether cheering Harambee Stars or attending K’Ogalo matches especially the Mashemeji Derby against rivals AFC Leopards.
Odinga was not only a football fan, in his younger years, he actively played the game, turning out for Luo Union FC and later Bunge FC during his tenure as Member of Parliament for Lang’ata Constituency.
His love for the national team became fully clear during the 2024 CHAN tournament as he was regularly in the VIP box of the Moi International Stadium, Kasarani cheering up the boys donning the national colors. In a gesture that underscored his commitment to supporting local talents, Odinga promised every player taking part in the August continental showpiece Ksh. 500,000 after Kenya’s 1-0 victory over Zambia.
President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga (C) at the opening game of the 2024 CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) at Kasarani/ Photo Courtesy PCS
Just over a week ago, he made another generous contribution, donating Ksh 10 million to Gor Mahia to help cover the club’s logistical needs for the season.
Days before his passing, his party organized a special tournament in Mombasa to celebrate its 20th anniversary. The event brought together FKF Premier League sides Bandari, AFC Leopards, Gor Mahia, and Shabana FC, with Gor Mahia ultimately lifting the trophy, a fitting tribute to a devoted patron whose passion for Kenyan football never waned.
The sports fraternity joined Kenyans to mourn the sports enthusiast.
Gor Mahia, the record Kenyan champions released a statement mourning the loss of their beloved patron, eulogizing him as a guiding light.
“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,” read a section of Gor Mahia’s statement.
The Football Kenya Federation announced a seven-day suspension of all league fixtures. The suspension, covering the SportPesa Premier League, FKF National Super League, and FKF Women’s Premier League, coincides with the government’s declaration of a week of national mourning.
In a statement, FKF expressed condolences to the Odinga family and the nation, stating: “We join the nation in mourning a great leader and a passionate supporter of Kenyan football. May his soul rest in peace.”
FKF president Hussein Mohammed mourned the seasoned politician as the local football strongest supporter “his name will forever be etched among its greatest fans”.
Mohammed praised Odinga’s commitment to sport, saying: “Kenya has lost a great leader who was an ardent fan of sports and its development in our country.”
“Having had the privilege to work under him, I can say he was not only a great leader and visionary, but also a good boss and a personal friend. Kenya has lost a true statesman and local football, one of its strongest supporters.”
The Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) in a statement expressed solidarity with the nation, extending its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and supporters of the late statesman.

“The Kenya Rugby Union joins the nation in mourning and extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and supporters of the late Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga,” the statement read.

In honor of Raila the union suspended of all rugby-related activities across the country: “Further to the unfortunate passing of the Rt. Honourable Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga and the subsequent declaration by the Government of the Republic of Kenya of seven (7) days of national mourning, the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) hereby directs the suspension of all rugby-related activities across the country during this period,” the statement read in part.

The Pamoja CHAN 2024 Local Organizing Committee also joined Kenyans in mourning the loss of ‘Tinga’ . In a statement, the three LOCs led by Kenya’s Nicholas Musonye, Leodegar Tenga of Tanzania and Uganda’s Peter Ogwang expressed deep sorrow statin the country has lost not only a political figure but also a sportsman and a promoter of African soccer.

“Raila was well known in the region for his support for CECAFA . He believed in the power od sports to unite people. His presence at CHAN was a reflection of his love. May God rest his soul in peace,” the statement said.

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga during the Kip Keino Classic at Nyayo stadium, Nairobi in May /Photo Courtesy


Athletics Kenya also penned a tribute to the late Raila describing him as “a towering statesman whose deep passion for sports helped shape Kenya into a continental powerhouse.”
In a statement, the federation said Raila’s love for sports was unmatched. “Odinga’s love for sports was unmatched, serving as Gor Mahia’s patron until his demise.”
“His unwavering support for Harambee Stars saw him grace the terraces time and again, rallying behind the boys with unshakable pride and hope. Beyond football, Odinga’s admiration for athletics ran deep.”
The statement also recalled Raila’s words during the 2018 Inter-County Games at Gusii Stadium, where he reflected on his own athletic past.
“He fondly recalled his days as an athlete competing in the 400m hurdles and triple jump, a testament to his lifelong connection with sports and the discipline it instils,” AK noted.
Beyond the local scene, Raila’s football passion stretched to the English Premier League, where he was a devout Arsenal fan. Having once supported Manchester United, he famously switched allegiances when Arsène Wenger joined Arsenal, citing the Frenchman’s philosophy and style of play as irresistible.
His influence in sports was immortalized through the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay — a 20,000-seat arena officially completed in May 2025. The stadium stands as a testament to his vision for nurturing sports infrastructure and youth development in Kenya.
From his animated football metaphors on the campaign trail — where he cast himself as captain and striker — to his tangible contributions to clubs and players, Raila Odinga leaves behind a legacy that blends politics, passion, and patriotism.