- Michael Olunga has praised the late Raila Odinga in an emotional tribute on his social media pages
- Raila died on October 15 after suffering a heart attack in India, where he was receiving treatment
- The former prime minister was the patron of Gor Mahia, the club that brought Olunga national fame
Michael Olunga has become the latest celebrity to send his condolences to Raila Odinga’s family.
Source: Twitter
The captain of Harambee Stars he was one of the many people who mixed with Baba due to the former prime minister’s love for football.
Raila was the caretaker of Gor Mahia, the club where Olunga played between 2015 and 2016. The ‘Engineer’ as he is popularly known scored 19 goals as K’Ogalo won a record 15th title.
Michael Olunga cried for Raila
Olunga used Instagram to explain some of the events he shared with the former Prime Minister with a quote that said,
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Rt. Hon. Raila Amollo Odinga. A true champion, a visionary leader, and an enthusiastic supporter of local football and sports in general. My condolences to the family in this difficult time. REST IN PEACE, FATHER.”
Olunga later moved to Swedish club Djurgårdens IF, where he presented Raila with his signed jersey. Olunga has since played for many clubs, including Girona of Spain, Kashiwa Reysol of Japan and Qatari clubs Al-Duhail and Al-Arabi, his current workplace.
Source: Twitter
The 31-year-old has risen through the ranks to captain the national team, where he is close to becoming the country’s all-time top scorer.
Victor Wanyama congratulates Raila Odinga
Victor Wanyama also shared his condolence message, saying,
“Rest in Peace Hon. Raila Odinga. Kenya has lost a true patriot. Raila Odinga was a fearless leader, a fighter for democracy, and a voice for the voiceless. His legacy will live on in the hearts of millions. Thank you Father for your dedication and love for our nation.”
His brother, and the vice president of FKF, McDonald Mariga, had also shared his message,
“I am deeply saddened by the death of the Rt. Hon. Raila Amollo Odinga – a true patriot, a great leader, and a friend of football and sports in general. His legacy and his inspiration for generations of Kenyans will continue. Rest in peace, Father.”
FKF has suspended all league matches to observe seven days of national mourning called by the President William Ruto.
The league resumed on Wednesday after the international break with four matches on the cards, but the subsequent games have been cancelled.
Raila Odinga’s funeral arrangements
Raila’s body is expected to arrive in the country on Thursday morning, before a public viewing at 12 pm in the Parliament buildings.
There will be a national funeral on Friday at the Nyayo National Stadium before the body is taken to Karen’s home overnight.
It will later be flown to Kisumu for a public viewing on Saturday before being buried at his Opoda farm on Sunday.
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