Kenya 7s speedster seeking financial support for unwell dad

Kenya 7s speedster, Patrick Odongo, is calling on his fans to assist fund his father’s corrective heart surgery at the Kenyatta University Teaching and Referral Hospital.

His father Joanes Okongo urgently requires the surgery, and the family is appealing for financial support to cover the medical expenses, totaling Ksh 1.5 million.

In a statement shared by the Kenya Rugby Union on their social media platforms, Odongo’s family was urging the rugby community to rally behind them during this challenging time.

That win was for my late mum - Patrick Odongo

Additionally, Okongo needs blood for the surgery, with a requirement of 18 pints. Those willing and able to donate can visit the hospital and make their donation under the name Joanes Okongo.

“Join us as we unite in solidarity to support Patrick Odongo’s father, Joanes Okongo Orondo who is set to undergo corrective heart surgery at the Kenyatta University Teaching and Referral Hospital. He urgently needs Ksh1.5 million to cover the expenses, and we appeal to the rugby community and all compassionate Kenyans to contribute to this vital cause,” reads a statement by Kenya 7s.

“To donate, please use Mpesa Paybill details: – Paybill: 400200 – Account: 428991 (George Owino Orondo). Additionally, 18 pints of blood are required and we encourage individuals to donate blood directly at KUTRH for patient Joanes Okongo Orondo. Blood group O+. Every contribution counts towards saving a life. Let’s stand together in this time of need,” the statement concluded.

Odongo played a crucial role in the team’s qualification for the Olympic competition last year in Harare, Zimbabwe.

The Daystar Falcons' winger was key in Kenya's victory by scoring seven tries in the tournament.

What made his performance even more heartwarming was that he had lost his mother Sophia Atieno Ogak just before the tournament on September 9. Despite that, he braved the odds and traveled with the squad.

The rugby fraternity dedicated the triumphant victory to Atieno, whose big dream was to see her son represent the country at the international level.

Now, his father Okongo urgently needs the surgery.

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Odongo has been a key player for the 7s sides since cutting and he was the top try-scoring as they won the Challenger Series opener in Dubai. He scored 10 tries. During the final match against Chile, Odongo scored the two crucial tries which helped Kenya win the title.

He first touched the odd-shaped ball during his high school days at Agoro Sare which is not known for its rugby prowess. Unlike most players, the winger was not the heaviest player around, but his speed was his top secret. He is focused on winning gold in the Paris 2024 Olympics.

At the age of 19 years, Odongo got an invite to try out at Shujaa where he trained alongside the senior members of the former Kenya 7s squad including his role model Nelson Oyoo who was the former Shujaa captain.

For him, that was a relishing experience that he would love to make permanent. Last year, his prayers were answered and he made the national team at just 20 years old.