2025 REVIEW: Gor Mahia's horrendous year that finished trophyless and claimed patron Raila Odinga
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Reading Time: 6min | Mon. 29.12.25. | 13:36
So dire were the record league champions that most fans would gladly rip off the 2025 chapter from their storied history following a torrid domestic campaign, significant off-field developments, and the dawn of a new managerial era
Annus horribilis is the best way to summarise a year that Gor Mahia fans will hurriedly want to bury in the bottomless pit of forget.
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From halting their remarkable run of six consecutive seasons of winning a major trophy, to losing their long-serving patron, Raila Odinga, to a managerial carousel that claimed two coaches, 2025 will go down in history as the worst year posted by the club in modern times.
So dire were the record league champions that most fans would gladly rip off the 2025 chapter from their storied history following a torrid domestic campaign, significant off-field developments, and the dawn of a new managerial era.
Rooney Onyango saga
However, looking back at the year, the warning signs were written on the wall from the onset as Rooney Onyango went on a rampage by reportedly rejecting a transfer to Tanzanian outfit Singida Black Stars despite the transfer fees already changing hands.
This opened the door for a lengthy transfer saga that at one point threatened to boil over as the Tanzanian side threatened to report Gor Mahia to FIFA for the botched transfer.
Eventually, the marauding full back and the club reached an amicable solution, sealing a transfer to Norwegian side Sogndal Fotball, where he has continued his remarkable development.
Siaya Stadium inauguration
One of the silver linings of an otherwise dark year for K’Ogalo was the inauguration of the Siaya County Stadium in January, where Gor Mahia beat Ugandan side Kitara FC 9-8 on post-match penalties after a barren draw.
The high-profile exhibition match saw Kenyan President William Ruto, his Ugandan counterpart Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, and club patron Raila Odinga in attendance.
The game also came with financial incentives as Ruto donated Kshs 2 million while Raila handed in Kshs1 million to be shared by both teams.
Sinisa Mihic's appointment
Following a string of inconsistent results, Gor Mahia appointed Croat head coach Sinisa Mihic to take over from the sacked Brazilian Leonardo Neiva, who was shown the door in November 2024 with Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno installed as the interim.
Mihic’s tenure at Gor Mahia will be remembered mostly for his touchline and off-the-field drama rather than performances on the pitch.
The abrasive coach was known for his touchline theatrics, which culminated in him walking out of Dandora Stadium before the final whistle in the 1-1 draw against Sofapaka.
Interestingly, Mihic was serving a touchline ban after being red-carded against KCB a week prior, with reports later emerging that the Croat had disagreed with Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno for disregarding his instructions.
Star midfielder Austin Odhiambo was also not spared from the drama, as he reportedly had a spat with the coach during training, which led to the suspension of the former AFC Leopards midfielder momentarily.
Mihic was also involved in an altercation with Zico, his other assistant, Michael Nam and Team Manager Victor Nyaoro in a video that went viral.
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Mihic ejected the three from his training, vowing never to work with them, but the matter was swiftly solved by the management, with the three burying the hatchet.
Mashemeji Derby stalemate
Arch rivals AFC Leopards were presented with an opportunity to derail Gor Mahia’s title ambitions and seized it with both hands, staging a 1-1 draw at the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homabay.
The result effectively meant that Gor Mahia relinquished the title to Kenya Police FC and had to suffer the humiliation of handing the Law Enforcers a guard of honour in the final match of the season that also acted as the champions’ coronation.
Bottling Mozzart Bet Cup
After a fairy tale run in the Mozzart Bet Cup that saw them punch their ticket to the final, Gor Mahia arrived as the most decorated club in Kenyan history, boasting a trophy-laden legacy and continental pedigree.
On the other corner, Nairobi United came as ambitious underdogs, who have defied odds to lift the National Super League(NSL) and reach their first-ever major final, embodying the classic unpredictability of the tournament.
A penalty miss by Alpha Onyango proved costly as Nairobi United clinched the cup and walked home Kshs 2 million richer with the added bonus of representing the nation in the CAF Confederation Cup.
The result saw Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno and his entire technical bench sent packing, with fans baying for the technical bench’s blood immediately after the full-time whistle.
Charles Akonnor's appointment
Following a horrendous season, Gor Mahia turned to seasoned Ghanaian tactician Charles Akonnor to spark a revival at the club and restore K’Ogalo’s lost glory after its worst season in over a decade.
Akonnor was unveiled alongside trusted compatriots: Kobia Mensah Bismark, his assistant coach, and Ben Owu, the man tasked with training the club's goalkeepers.
Transfers
Deputy club patron at the time, Eliud Owalo, flexed his muscle in the off-season transfer window, galvanising the club with high-profile signings mostly drawn from the Harambee Stars squad that dazzled in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
Among the additions were; Michael Kibwage, Lewis Bandi, Byrne Omondi, Siraj Mohammed, Oluoch Felix, Ebenezer Adukwaw, George Amonoo, and Veron Ombima.
ODM@20
The tournament presented Gor Mahia with an opportunity to clinch only their second trophy of the season, albeit an unofficial accolade.
Gor Mahia edged Bandari FC 1-0 courtesy of an Ebenezer Adukwaw strike in the 69th minute, adding Ksh1 million to the club’s coffers.
K’Ogalo had edged Shabana FC on post-match penalties to book a ticket to the final in a tournament that was organised by the Orange Democratic Movement party, to mark their 20 years of existence.
Raila’s death
Wednesday, 15 October, marked a dark day not only in Kenya’s history but also for Gor Mahia after the former club patron breathed his last in India following health complications.
Although his exact appointment as patron is unclear, Raila held the position for decades and played a key role in the club during his tenure.
It comes as no surprise that Raila’s last official tweet before his passing was of him meeting the Gor Mahia squad ahead of the new season.
The former Prime Minister made a generous Kshs10 million donation while meeting the team to streamline their services ahead of the new season.
Raila was an ever-present figure in crucial Gor Mahia games, with his arrival certain to draw loud cheers from the crowd.
There is no doubt that Gor Mahia fans will dearly miss his presence not only in games but also in national functions.
Mashemeji Derby defeat
The bitter year for Gor Mahia fans was further compounded by a Mashemeji Derby defeat to sworn enemies AFC Leopards, courtesy of a Julius Masaba goal.
This was just AFC Leopards' second win over Gor Mahia since 2016, underscoring Gor Mahia’s dominance in the fixture in recent years.
Even more painful for Gor Mahia fans was watching AFC Leopards spend Christmas on top of the table, a position they will hold till the New Year.
