Gor Mahia paid tribute to their late patron, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, during their Sportpesa Premier League match against Posta Rangers at Nyayo National on Sunday, October 26.
Odinga passed away on October 15 at the age of 80 while receiving treatment in India and an emotional homage were paid before, during, and after Gor’s victory at the Nyayo National Stadium.
Also Read: Sportpesa League: Okoth haunts former side as Mathare beat Shabana
Gor players arrived at the stadium wearing white shirts bearing an image of Odinga with the words “Forever in our hearts. RIP Patron.” Before the match began, fans held up banners and placards bearing Raila’s image, and a minute of silence was observed in his memory.
The players entered the pitch holding two Kogalo shirt plaques, one inscribed with the bold green number “80,” marking his age at the time of his passing, and another with the title “Patron” in honour of his long service to the club.
Also Read: Alpha Onyango dedicates his National Hero Honour to Gor Mahia teammates
Ambrose Rachier, Club chairman, accompanied the team, carrying the ODM@20 trophy won in Mombasa during the ODM Party 20th anniversary celebrations. At the VIP section, a seat often occupied by Raila Odinga was draped with a black shirt printed with ‘80’ and ‘Patron’, alongside his iconic cap and whisk.
In the 80th minute, fans lit up their phone torches and waved them in unison with chants of “Jowi!”, followed by a standing ovation and heartfelt applause for the late Patron.
Gor Mahia won the match 3-0 with goals from Ben Stanley Omondi, Austin Odhiambo-who scored his first of the season-and Felix Oluoch Mboya, ending Posta Rangers’ unbeaten Run with the record Kenyan Premier League champions dedicating the win to Odinga.
Also Read: Homeboyz: Odhiambo pleased with his charges after red card
