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Ezekiel Otuoma passed away from Motor Neurone Disease, leaving behind a rich football legacy, grieving family, friends and fans nationwide.
Former AFC Leopards striker Ezekiel Otuoma will be laid to rest at his parents’ home in Ramula, Gem, Siaya County on January 11, bringing an end to the journey of a football star who battled with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) until his untimely demise on December 21.
Otuoma, 31, succumbed to the rare condition that weakens muscles and affects nerves in the brain, having been diagnosed with MND in 2020.
Arrangements for his burial are now in top gear, according to family spokesman Dennis Mogendi, popularly known as Mosh Junior.
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Family, friends, and former teammates are expected to converge in Gem to pay their final respects to the energetic forward who once graced the Kenyan football scene with stints at Ulinzi Stars, FC Talanta, Western Stima (defunct), and Muhoroni Youth.
A number of activities have been planned in the days leading up to his funeral, including a fundraising event at Mbotela Social Hall in Makadara Constituency, Nairobi, on January 8 to help cover the cost of the funeral.
There will also be a football tournament proposed for January 5 at the Absa Bank Sports Club on Thika Road, where Otuoma’s former teammates and a select FKF Premier League side are expected to feature, on condition there are no top-flight league fixtures set for that date.
Plans for a requiem mass on January 9 are underway, and Montezuma Monalisa Funeral Home is among the venues being considered, while the body will be flown to Kisumu on January 10 before being transported by road to Gem for burial the following day.
“To my husband, you have left a hole in my heart that no one else can fill. The emptiness in my arms reminds me of the love we shared, your love was a gift and I’ll always cherish it,” said Otuoma’s wife, Racheal, in her first public tribute after his passing.
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Racheal, who often wheeled her ailing husband to local stadiums whenever his condition allowed, stayed by his side throughout his struggle with MND.
She recalled that despite the challenges and hospital visits, Otuoma’s passion for the game never wavered, nor did his love for those close to him.
She added: “Although it was so soon it really broke my heart you left on my birthday it will never be the same again you never said I was leaving or even gave a sign you never said goodbye in life I loved you dearly in death I still love you in my heart you hold a place only you can fill. IT broke my heart to lose you but you didn't go alone a part of me went with you. TILL WE MEET AGAIN.”
Family spokesman Mogendi reiterated that they intend to give the former striker a befitting send-off.
According to him, the January 8 fundraiser will also include a candle-lighting session in remembrance of Otuoma’s contribution to Kenyan football and the many lives he touched.
The family appreciates the ongoing support from friends, former teammates, and the larger football fraternity, who have been sending messages of condolence and pledging financial assistance.
Otuoma’s journey in football began when his speed and ball-handling abilities attracted the attention of scouts who predicted a stellar career in the top-tier league.
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Though he struggled to reach his full potential amid injuries and other setbacks, Otuoma’s enthusiasm for the beautiful game never diminished.
After being diagnosed with MND in November 2020, he fought valiantly even as the disease gradually confined him to a wheelchair.
His body now rests at Montezuma Monalisa Funeral Home, where it will remain until the family finalizes all arrangements for the January 9 requiem mass.
Well-wishers continue to pour in from across the country, reminding everyone of the mark Otuoma left behind in Kenyan football.
For those wishing to pay their respects, Ramula village in Gem, Siaya County, will serve as the final resting place for a man who brought smiles and goals to many pitches.
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On January 11, football lovers and family members alike will gather to bid farewell to a player whose life exemplified resilience, determination, and unwavering love—both for the game and for those dearest to him.
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