Government makes standout gesture to commemorate Austin Oduor’s legacy

Government makes standout gesture to commemorate Austin Oduor’s legacy

Festus Chuma 05:13 - 29.10.2024

Kenyan football legend Austin Oduor will receive a memorable farewell, with the government and sports community uniting to honor his remarkable contributions to both the Harambee Stars and Gor Mahia.

Former Gor Mahia and Harambee Stars captain Austin Oduor Origi will be honored with a state-funded funeral, the Kenyan government has confirmed.

Oduor, who passed away on October 16 in Kakamega County, will receive a dignified farewell befitting his impact on Kenyan sports.

Deputy Chief of Staff in the Executive Office of the President Eliud Owalo, who leads the funeral committee, emphasized the importance of honoring Oduor with respect and dignity.

“Today (yesterday) I led the National Steering Committee for Austin ‘Makamu’ Oduor’s funeral arrangements on a visit to his village home in Makunga Village, NavaKholo, Kakamega,” Owalo said.

He expressed the government’s commitment to supporting Oduor's family through this difficult time, ensuring they have all the resources needed for the arrangements.

“The government will stand with the family and honor this legend for his remarkable contributions to Kenyan football.”

In a recent social media statement, Owalo detailed the preparatory steps already underway.

He was accompanied by Gor Mahia Chairman Ambrose Rachier, Kakamega Homeboys Chairman Cleopa Simanyula, and numerous Kenyan soccer legends, including John 'Bobby' Ogolla, Washington Muhanji, Aggrey Lukoye, and Peter Dawo.

Austin Oduor’s contributions to Kenyan football are unforgettable.

Leading the Harambee Stars to a silver medal in the 1987 All Africa Games and guiding Gor Mahia to Kenya’s first continental championship, Oduor’s legacy is cemented in Kenya’s sports history.

Owalo, in reflecting on Oduor’s influence, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to recognizing the achievements of those who have made remarkable contributions to Kenyan sports.

“The government through the Ministry of Sports will accord Austin a send-off commensurate with his stature and contribution to Kenyan soccer,” he said, underscoring the government’s resolve to celebrate Oduor’s memory.

For Oduor, football was a family legacy. His younger brother, former Harambee Stars striker Mike Okoth, is the father of Divock Origi, a Belgian international who plays for Nottingham Forest in the English Premier League.

Oduor’s son, Arnold Otieno Origi, followed in his father’s footsteps and represented Kenya as a goalkeeper, playing for clubs in both Kenya and Sweden.

Austin Oduor will be laid to rest in his hometown, Makunga Village in NavaKholo, Kakamega on November 9.