Deputy State House Chief of Staff Eliud Owalo and Sports Permanent Secretary Peter Tum led mourners in the final rite of the former Harambee Stars captain Austin ‘Makamu’ Oduor, who was laid to rest today at his home in Makunga village, Navakholo constituency of Kakamega county.
Owalo, who chaired the steering committee for the late Gor Mahia captain’s funeral, praised the icon for his unselfish devotion and enormous contribution to Kenyan football history.
Owalo urged the government and the community to support the late Austin’s legacy in his remarks.
“Austin was well-organised. Everyone I reached out to for support came in handy because of the respect he commanded. For his legacy, let’s follow Austin’s example. To at least honour him, let’s consider holding an annual football competition here in Makunga.”
The late will be remembered as the only Gor Mahia captain to lift the Nelson Mandela Cup in 1987 after inspiring his side in beating Esperance of Tunisia.
Oduor collapsed last month at his home in Makunga on the 15th of last month after developing some breathing complications and was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival .
“I was extremely close to Austin and am also the first person to have been concerned about the welfare of football legends, and I reached out to Austin last year, and we conceptualised and operationalised the Gor Mahia Legends sustainability fund with Austin being the chairman.”
Ministry of Sports Director Jackson Indakwa, former Harambee Stars coach Jacob “Ghost” Mulei, Sofapaka coach Robert Matano, Renowned coach Bob Oyugi, AFC Leopards chairman Dan Shikanda, Navakholo MP Hon. Emmanuel Wangwe, Embakasi South MP Hon. Julius Mawathe, and Muhoroni MP Hon. Onyango Koyoo were among the other dignitaries who attended the funeral.
Among the Kenyan Soccer Legends at the Service were John “Bobby” Ogolla; Sammy Owino “Kempes”; Dr. J.J. Masiga; Nahashon Oluoch “Lule”; Peterlis Owuor;Josephat “Controller” Murila; Peter Dawo; Washington Muhanji; David Ochieng “Kamoga”; Dan Musuku; Isaiah “Janabi” Omondi; Elly Adero; Dennis Munyendo; George Otieno “Solo”; Mickey Weche “T9”; Tobias Ocholla “Jua Kali”; Aggrey Lukoye; George Onyango “Fundi”; Micke Amwayi; James Goro Oronge; Ben Musuku; Swaleh Ochieng “Oswayo”; Peter Lichungu; Maurice Ouma “Ole Tunda”; Ramadhan Balala; Sammy Omollo “Pamzo”; Dan Ogada “Dunga”; Micke Otieno; Omar Shaban;Josiah Ougo “Biggy”; Victor Onyango; Ignatius Khaduli; John “Shoto” Lukoye; Micke Adede; Rogers Karenge; Paul Ochieng “Alico”; Peter Mwololo; Francis Oduor; Thomas Omboko; Duncan Ochieng; Richard Madegwa; Odhiambo Gor; Dennis Obua; George Opondo; Evans Karenge; Jared Ochieng Achieng; Justus Muhati; Albert Okech; John Lubembe; Nick Okoth; Dan Omino; Gerald Omolo “Chonjo”; and Tobias Mahira among others.
Oduor Makamu leaves behind a widow Pamela Aoko whom together were blessed with six children :-Judy Oduor, Arnold Origi Oduor, Pauline Oduor, Brenda Oduor, George Oduor and Kimberly Oduor.
May the Lord rest his soul in eternal peace.