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Football icon Allan Thigo's final wish fulfilled at his funeral
The body of former Gor Mahia legend Allan Thigo being prepared for cremation at the Hindu Crematorium in Kisumu on May 13, 2026.
In line with his final wish, the body of former Harambee Stars and Gor Mahia midfielder Allan Thigo was cremated at the Hindu Crematorium in Kisumu yesterday.
Thigo, who passed away on Saturday at the age of 77 following a battle with prostate cancer, had stipulated in his will that his body should be cremated within 72 hours of his death.
Family, friends, and football stakeholders gather at the Star Hospital Annex in Kisumu to pick the body cremation ceremony of former Gor Mahia midfielder Allan Thigo on May 13, 2026.
His body was transported from Bungoma, where he died, to the Star Annex Mortuary in Kisumu on Tuesday evening, ahead of the cremation ceremony.
According to his cousin, George Okera, the family had booked the crematorium for 10.30am.
The cremation began shortly after 11am and continued into the afternoon.
“His eldest son will collect the ashes later,” said Okera.
Only close family members and a few former football players were permitted to attend the private ceremony.
A solemn moment at the Hindu Crematorium in Kisumu as family and friends bid farewell to football icon Allan Thigo on May 13, 2026.
A memorial service was later held at Mama Grace Onyango Social Hall in Kisumu.
During the cremation ceremony, former Gor Mahia player Goro Oronge criticised the treatment of retired footballers, saying that many legends who had helped shape Kenyan football had been abandoned.
“You are harassed at the gate, and the Ministry of Sports has forgotten the heroes of football. Those who played in the early years and brought glory to Kenya have been completely forgotten," he said.
Family, friends, and football stakeholders gather at the Star Hospital Annex in Kisumu to pick the body cremation ceremony of former Gor Mahia midfielder Allan Thigo on May 13, 2026.
He also claimed that Thigo had faced challenges at his former club, Gor Mahia.
“I visited him two months ago and he told me that Gor Mahia had not paid his salary. He told me he was chased away and did not understand why,” he added.
Oronge also mentioned the recent treatment of former Gor Mahia coach Zedekiah ‘Ziko’ Otieno, saying that football legends were no longer appreciated for their contribution to the sport.
According to family members, Thigo's suffering during his illness may have influenced his decision to choose cremation.
The body of former Gor Mahia legend Allan Thigo being prepared for cremation at the Hindu Crematorium in Kisumu on May 13, 2026.
In an interview with Nation Sport in March, while he was receiving treatment in a Bungoma hospital, Thigo said that he did not want to become dependent on politicians seeking publicity from his condition.
"I was brave on the pitch. I fought and won matches. Even with this burden, I will not allow myself to be at the mercy of politicians who will exploit it for their own gain. I’m strong, and I trust in God,” he said.
Thigo, who hailed from Muhoroni in Kisumu County, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2021 and had been undergoing treatment.
During his illness, he found support from his close family and friends, including former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who he considered a loyal friend in his time of need.
Thigo remains one of Kenya’s most celebrated midfielders, having risen through the ranks from local side Kisumu Hot Stars to national giants Gor Mahia in the early 1970s.
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