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Remains of Kenya's ex-rugby coach Oloo expected in Nairobi
Felix Oloo, then Kenya Rugby 7s Lionesses coach, during a training session on October 4, 2019.
The body of former Kenyan rugby coach, the late Felix Oloo, is expected to arrive in Nairobi later on Monday, June 1, 2026 from the United States of America.
On Sunday, former rugby player Ernest “Marine” Gikonyo, who is a member of the funeral committee, told Nation Sport that Oloo’s remains are expected at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi on Monday night.
“Friends, family, well-wishers and friends are advised that our beloved Felix who passed away in USA, shall be repatriated to Kenya on Monday, May 1, 2026. The body shall be preserved at a funeral home in Nairobi, awaiting final rites and burial in Asembo, Siaya County,” Gokonyo said.
The funeral committee has indicated that his remains will be interred at the family home in Asembo, Siaya County, on June 6.
Fondly known as “Mwalimu” in Kenyan rugby circles, Oloo died in Washington on Monday, May 4, 2026. He was reportedly hit by a car, and died at the age of 41.
He was former coach of Kenya women’s rugby team, Kenya Lionesses, and also played as a flanker for the Nakuru RFC team that won the Kenya Cup in 2013, and in 2014.
The Washington State Patrol (WSP) is investigating the tragic incident that claimed his life. A report from WSP indicated that the incident occurred at 4:59am south of NE 160th Street, on Interstate 405 in US state of Washington. The Interstate-405, also known as I-405, is one of the busiest freeways in the US.
Friends and family have been holding daily meetings and funds drive at 12115 Meridian Ave S, Apt D235, in Everett, Washington.
“The plan is to repatriate Felix's body to Kenya as friends continue holding daily meetings in Seattle. The family will handle funeral arrangements in Kenya. Two volunteers from the Kenyan community in Seattle will accompany his remains in the flight back to Kenya. Felix's loved ones, friends, and colleagues from the rugby fraternity, teaching, and coaching establishments will all be affected by his passing. He had a gift for connecting with people worldwide. Felix left a legacy. His memory will live on,” former Impala Saracens coach Mitch Ocholla said.
Dennis Mwanja who succeeded Oloo as coach of Kenya Lionesses coach has paid a glowing tribute to his predecessor.
“My condolences to the immediate family of Felix and the Kenyan community in USA. Felix called me in to assist him in Kenya Lionesses technical bench before he left for USA. He gave me an opportunity as a coach and stayed in touch afterwards. A true servant of the game has rested,” Mwanja observed.
Gikonyo said he has known Oloo for more than 26 years.
“I had just finished secondary school in 1998 and was coaching at Nakuru Day Secondary School when I met him, and we became close friends. Later, Felix joined Nakuru RFC, while I was playing for Kenya Harlequin. Whenever I went back home to Nakuru, we would often meet up,” Gikonyo said.
He said Oloo dedicated his time to rugby development, particularly nurturing young talent.
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