Sports journalists joined football players, teams, and other stakeholders to raise over Sh250,000 for the funeral of late Kenya Premier League (KPL) striker Ezekiel Otuoma.
The journalists themselves contributed Sh100,000 to support Otuoma’s farewell ceremony, scheduled for Saturday in Ramula, Gem, Siaya County.
Eric Bob Otieno, Otuoma’s first coach, spearheaded a fundraising football tournament at the Absa Sports Club in Nairobi, aiming to raise funds for the burial.
He expressed deep appreciation for the Kenyan football community’s support during this difficult time.
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Vice President McDonald Mariga and his brother, Victor Wanyama, played for Friends of Mariga FC in a six-a-side tournament in honour of Otuoma.
Both Mariga and Wanyama were present to pay tribute to the late player, with Mariga highlighting the importance of such solidarity for the development of Kenyan football.
Robert Matano, a four-time KPL-winning coach who worked with Otuoma at Ulinzi Stars during the 2014/2015 season and again at AFC Leopards in 2017/2018, also attended the event.
Matano praised Otuoma for his discipline and dedication to his football career.
Sports journalists were also actively involved, donating over Sh10,000 to honor the late footballer.
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Otuoma, affectionately known as “Rooney,” passed away on December 21, 2024, after battling Motor Neurone Disease (MND), a rare illness that causes muscle weakness and paralysis by affecting the brain and nerves.
Otuoma’s football career began at his local club, Mbotela Kamaliza FC, before he moved on to play for notable teams including Muhoroni Youth FC, Western Stima, FC Talanta, Ulinzi Stars, and AFC Leopards.
A requiem mass will be held tomorrow, followed by the burial in Siaya on Saturday.
