Bob Munro, the founder of Mathare Youth Sports Association (MYSA), who passed away on January 19 at his Westlands home after a prolonged battle with respiratory issues, was cremated yesterday at Kariokor Crematorium in a small, private ceremony attended by family and close friends.
In accordance with his wishes, Bob’s ashes will be scattered by his family at the MYSA Kenya headquarters in Nairobi.
On Monday, family, friends, and football fans from across the country gathered at PCEA St Andrew’s Parish in Nairobi to pay their final respects.
Speakers praised the 82-year-old for his profound impact on Kenyan football.
Interim Harambee Stars head coach Francis Kimanzi shared how Munro helped shape his career and disciplined him as a player, recounting how Munro once persuaded him to shave his head to enhance his professional image.
“Bob was the one who convinced me to shave my hair. He told me I was a good player and strong captain, but I would be even better if I was clean-shaven,” Kimanzi recalled.
Mathare United emerged from MYSA, the non-governmental organization Munro founded in 1987 to empower young people with the skills and confidence to reach their potential, not only in sports but also in areas like entertainment and the arts.
Through MYSA, countless youths from Nairobi’s slums have realized their potential.
Jecton Obure, CEO of Mathare United, eulogized Munro as a father figure who guided him in his football journey.
Former Football Kenya Federation (FKF) vice-president Doris Petra described Munro as a cornerstone of Kenyan football, saying, “Bob is Kenyan football, and football in Kenya is Bob.”
Munro was also remembered for his professionalism, transparency, and unwavering passion for advancing the sport.
Former Kenya Referees Association chair GMT Otieno shared that Munro’s firm principles earned him enemies but never swayed his commitment.
Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot represented the political class, emphasizing that the best way to honour Munro’s legacy is by continuing the work he began with MYSA.
“Bob has left a big legacy, one that I call upon all MYSA supporters and Kenyan football lovers to carry on with. It is our duty, and the best days for what he has left us are ahead,” Cheruiyot said.
Munro’s widow, Ingrid, paid a moving tribute, describing him as a man with a big heart. “He loved me until the last minute. He may be gone in body, but his spirit lives on—he lives in me, in my children, and in my grandchildren. As everyone here has shared, he will live forever in our hearts,” she said.
Recently, Bob Munro was honoured with the prestigious Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear (EBS) by President William Ruto during Kenya’s 60th Jamhuri Day celebrations.
