Renowned footballer Ezekiel Otuoma’s wife, Racheal, sadly announced his death, revealing that he had been unwell for some time. In an emotional message, she expressed her love for him, saying she would always cherish the moments they shared. Racheal also revealed that Ezekiel passed away on her birthday, making the loss even more painful.
Racheal wrote a heartfelt tribute to her late husband, saying, “To my husband. You 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 cherish it forever. It was too soon, and it broke my heart. You left on my birthday. You never said, ‘I am leaving,’ or even showed a sign. You never said goodbye. In life, I loved you dearly. In death, I love you. Still in my heart, you hold a place you can only 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.”
Ezekiel was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in 2020, a condition that progressively weakened his body and ultimately ended his football career. MND, also known as ALS, attacks the motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle degeneration and loss of function.
As his condition worsened, Ezekiel lost the ability to walk and speak, relying on Racheal for care. She became his full-time caregiver, feeding, dressing, and helping him throughout his illness.
Ezekiel had a successful football career, playing for top Kenyan clubs like AFC Leopards, Ulinzi Stars, and FC Talanta, leaving a lasting legacy in the sport.