Catholic priest Kizito Mmasi Lihanda of Eshisiru parish, Diocese of Kakamega conducts final rites on the body of Austin Odour during the burial service at Makunga village,Navakholo in Kakamega.
Kenya witnessed an unparalleled gathering of football legends during the burial of former Gor Mahia and national team captain, Austin ‘Makamu’ Oduor , at his Makunga home in Kakamega County on Saturday.
Oduor,65, who died on October 15, was given a memorable send-off, unmatched by any other football legend since the 1960s.
Over 50 former Kenyan football stars, who played alongside and against Oduor from the 1970s through the 1990s, came to honour their fallen colleague. Many of them, dressed in white shirts adorned with Oduor’s image, represented not only Gor Mahia, but also their rival club, AFC Leopards.
The congregation, which featured former stars from Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards, could have formed two strong teams. Retired referees, including Peter Waswa Barasa, joined the mourners, emphasising the immense respect the Kenyan football fraternity had for Oduor.
The funeral was a poignant affair, with legends such as John Bobby Ogolla,Peter ‘Omuga’ Dawo, and Peter Lukoye visibly emotional as Oduor's body was lowered into the grave shortly after 2pm. Their tears spoke of the deep bonds they shared with the man they considered more than just a teammate.
Political leaders, fans, and former football administrators such as Albert Oketch, Vincent Radido, and Vincent Shimoli were also in attendance. Gor Mahia fans, led by Jared Otieno (Jaro Soja), performed traditional war songs and released fireworks at the graveside to honour their fallen hero.
The group even disrupted proceedings for 20 minutes with passionate tributes, capturing the heartfelt loss felt by many.
Ex-Harambee Stars coach Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee served as the Master of Ceremony, managing a delicate balance between mourning and tributes, as politicians often veered into political speeches while eulogising Oduor.
Oduor began his illustrious career as a midfielder at Umeme FC in 1976 while studying at Highway Secondary School, Nairobi. He later moved to Benham FC and then Luo Union (later Re-Union) before joining Gor Mahia in 1980, where he played until 1992.
He captained Gor Mahia to a treble, including the league title, the Moi Golden Cup, and the Africa Winners' Cup in 1987. He represented Kenya in three Africa Cup of Nations finals (1988-1992) before retiring from international football. In 1994, he briefly coached Gor Mahia.
Oduor’s widow, Pamella, tearfully described him as “a very loving husband who took care of me and the children and supported many others, including his siblings.”
His children, led by son Arnald Origi, spoke of their father's “unwavering sense of discipline and integrity,” while his brothers described him as "a friend, elder brother, guardian, and family role model."
Friends and colleagues lauded Oduor as a true leader, mentor, and strong character who maintained bonds even after retiring from football.
Catholic priest Kizito Lihanda of Eshisiru Parish led the final rites, marking the end of a moving farewell for a Kenyan football legend.
