Gor Mahia name new patron after Raila Odinga's death
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Reading Time: 3min | Thu. 16.10.25. | 19:48
Mr. Odinga, who died on Wednesday morning while receiving treatment in India, was a lifelong supporter of the club.
Record FKF Premier League champions Gor Mahia have confirmed the appointment of Eliud Owalo as the club’s acting patron following the passing of long-serving patron Raila Amolo Odinga.
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Mr. Odinga, who died on Wednesday morning while receiving treatment in India, was a lifelong supporter of the club.
His body arrived in the country on Thursday morning ahead of his burial on Sunday at his rural home in Bondo. According to his will, he is to be laid to rest within 72 hours of arrival.
To ensure continuity, Gor Mahia announced that Owalo, who has been serving as the deputy patron, will take over the role on an interim basis.
“Following the sad demise of our long-serving club patron, the Right Honourable Raila Amollo Odinga (Rest in Peace Baba, Rest in Peace Patron, Rest in Peace Agwambo), and in order to avoid a vacuum, the Gor Mahia Executive Committee wishes to notify the general public, the football fraternity, and Gor Mahia members that the Deputy Patron, Hon. Eliud Owalo, FHRM, FESK, EGH, will act as the club patron with immediate effect,” read a statement from the club.
Odinga had served as Gor Mahia’s patron for more than three decades. Club chairman Ambrose Rachier paid a glowing tribute to the departed icon, highlighting his pivotal role in the club’s growth.
“He was very important to us and played a key role in elevating the club. He helped us secure the Tuzo sponsorship in 2012 and gave our partners confidence to support us.
Just two weeks ago, he invited us to his home and donated Ksh 10 million because he wanted Gor Mahia to succeed. He will be greatly missed,” said Rachier.
Owalo also paid tribute to his former political mentor and colleague, describing Odinga as a guiding figure in both his professional and personal life.
“Beyond our professional association, he was a father figure, confidante, and wise counsellor throughout my journey in both the private and public sectors — including during my time as Cabinet Secretary for ICT and the Digital Economy and now as Deputy Chief of Staff in the Executive Office of the President. Most recently, I had the honour of serving alongside him as his Deputy Patron at Gor Mahia Football Club,” Owalo said.
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“The Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga’s legacy will forever remain woven into the fabric of our Republic — a testament to his resilience, statesmanship, and unshakeable belief in the promise of a better Kenya.”
Gor Mahia will not be in action this weekend after the Football Kenya Federation suspended all league matches for a week in honour of the late Odinga.
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