Fundraiser, requiem mass & public viewing planned to honour Harambee Stars legend Austin Oduor

The late Austin Oduor. IMAGE/ Courtes

Fundraiser, requiem mass & public viewing planned to honour Harambee Stars legend Austin Oduor

Festus Chuma 14:09 - 01.11.2024

A fundraiser, public viewing, and requiem mass will honour Gor Mahia and Harambee Stars legend Austin Oduor Origi, celebrating his impact on Kenyan football.

Former Gor Mahia and Harambee Stars captain Austin Oduor Origi will be honored with a series of commemorative events in the coming days.

Oduor, who passed away on October 15, 2024, will have a fundraiser, public viewing and requiem mass as part of his final journey before he is laid to rest in his rural home in Makunga, Kakamega County, on November 9.

The burial committee has announced a special fundraiser scheduled for Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at 680 Hotel in Nairobi starting at 5:00 PM.

The event will be graced by Julius Mawathe, MP for Embakasi South Constituency, as the guest of honour.

He will be joined by notable figures in Kenyan football and government, including Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa and several high-profile football club chairpersons, as well as Football Kenya Federation (FKF) presidential hopefuls Sammy 'Kempes' Owino, Hussein Mohamed, Dorris Petra, and Barry Otieno.

“There shall be a fundraiser on Tuesday, 5th November 2024 at 680 Hotel in Nairobi starting at 5PM. The Guest of Honor shall be Hon. Julius Mawathe, MP Embakasi South Constituency, assisted by co-guests; H.E. Governor Fernandez Baraza of Kakamega County," the announcement read.

Funeral committee members Ambrose Rachier-chairman Gor Mahia , Dan Shikanda-chairman AFC Leopards, Jared Nivaton-chairman Shabana, Cleopa Simanyula, chairman Kakamega Homeboys FC and advocate Nicholas Odera Sumba have also been named as guests.

Oduor’s legacy as a football icon has brought together Kenya’s football and political elite in a rare show of unity, all paying homage to a man whose impact on the sport was transformative.

Oduor famously captained Gor Mahia to the coveted Mandela Cup in 1987, a feat that remains one of Kenya’s highest achievements in club football.

He also led Harambee Stars to three consecutive Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifications, underscoring his influence as a national leader in the sport.

In addition to the fundraiser, fans, and friends will have a chance to bid farewell to Oduor during a public viewing at Kisumu’s Jomo Kenyatta Grounds on November 5.

The body will be transported to his rural home in Makungu Village for an overnight vigil, a final gesture of respect by the community and local fans who followed his storied career.

The requiem mass for the former star is slated for Friday, November 8, at St. Teresa’s Catholic Church in Kibue, Kisumu.

The service will begin at 10:00 AM, followed by a public viewing at the church premises until 1:00 PM.

Later, his body will be moved to Maukunga, Kakamega, where it will be received by family and friends for another vigil, ahead of his burial.

“The requiem mass is scheduled for Friday, 8th Nov 2024 at St. Teresas Catholic Church, Kibue, Kisumu from 10:00 am and thereafter public viewing at the church premises up to 1:00 pm. The body shall then be moved to his home in Maukunga, Kakamega for viewing and overnight vigil,” the committee announcement adds.

Oduor led Gor Mahia through its golden years, winning three consecutive league titles from 1983 to 1985 achieving a legendary status by lifting the Mandela Cup in 1987.

The victory marked Gor Mahia as the first East African team to secure a continental title.