Former footballers pay tribute to 'Makamu' at fundraiser

Retired footballers, fans, and national leaders have paid glowing tribute to former Kenyan national team captain, Austin “Makamu” Oduor, who will be laid to rest at his home in Makunga, Kakamega, on Saturday.

Oduor, 65, passed away on October 15 after experiencing breathing complications in Kakamega.

During a fundraiser held at Nairobi’s 680 Hotel on Tuesday, former Kenyan internationals—Sammy “Kempes” Owino, Bobby Ogolla, Joseph Jesse “JJ” Masiga, Mickey “T9” Weche, and Tobias “Jua Kali” Ocholla—praised Oduor as a leader and friend.

Bobby Ogolla, who played alongside Oduor for Gor Mahia and the national team in the 1980s, described him as a formidable character.

“I was a stopper and sweeper like him, but he could also play in the midfield. Kenya has lost a great man. Austin was a mentor and a true leader,” Ogolla said.

Eliud Owalo, Deputy Chief of Staff in the Executive Office of the President, also paid tribute, saying, “I learnt of the sudden death of my friend Austin Oduor with profound shock and disbelief. I had always held Austin in high regard as a Kenyan football icon, a Gor Mahia and Harambee Stars legend, and an award-winning captain—a true football idol.”

Owalo, who is chairing the legend’s Funeral Steering Committee, recalled that just three days before his death, Oduor and other former players had visited him in Asembo to distribute tracksuits to local teams through the Eliud Owalo Foundation, which supports grassroots football.

“I have lost a friend, an elder brother, a guardian, a natural leader, a great thinker, and a role model. Fare thee well, Austin ‘Makamu’ Oduor. We will ensure that your legacy lingers forever.”

Former striker Joseph Masiga, who played for AFC Leopards and the national team in the 70s and 80s, added, “Austin was a great player and a true gentleman, full of leadership qualities. I wish him a peaceful rest and God’s mercy.”

Tobias Ocholla,  who played with Oduor at Gor Mahia and the national team, expressed how Oduor’s influence on the field could immediately uplift team morale.

Sammy “Kempes” Owino, who grew up with Oduor in Nairobi’s Ziwani estate, remembered him as a “gentleman who always stood for what was right.” He added, “We pray for the family and promise to be there whenever they need us.”

Former FKF President Peter Kenneth, who also knew Oduor from their youth in Ziwani, sent his condolences, describing him as a “good long-time friend.”

At the fundraiser on Tuesday, Sh3.2 million was raised, with the Sports Ministry donating Sh2 million.

Additional contributions were made by governors Fernandes Barasa of Kakamega, James Orengo of Siaya, and Gladys Wanga of Homa Bay, as well as by MPs, Senators, FKF aspiring candidates, Cabinet Secretaries, football legends, and fans, particularly from Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards.

The funeral steering committee announced that football fans and friends would have a chance to bid farewell on Friday during a public viewing at St Theresa’s Cathedral Catholic Church in Kibuye, Kisumu.

The requiem mass is scheduled for 10am, with the viewing starting at 1pm. Following this, the body will be moved to Oduor’s rural home in Makunga village, Navakholo Sub-County, Kakamega, for an overnight vigil before his burial on Saturday.