Thousands of Gor Mahia Football Club supporters on Tuesday staged one of the largest fan-led tributes in Kenyan football history as a motorcade of more than 30 vehicles rolled from Kisumu to Opoda Farm in Bondo to honour their departed patron, Raila Odinga.
The convoy, a mix of buses, minibuses and private cars draped in green and white drawn from different parts of the country, departed Jomo Kenyatta Sports Ground shortly after 10:00am.
Streets in Kisumu briefly came to a standstill as residents lined pavements, cheering and filming the procession as fans hoisted club flags, beat drums and chanted K’Ogalo anthems.
For close to 70 kilometres, the motorcade snaked its way through Kisian, Obambo, Akala and Ndori, drawing more supporters at every stop, before finally arriving at Opoda Farm – Raila’s home – to condole Mama Ida Odinga.
Many carried flowers, club banners and portraits of the former Prime Minister, who died on October 15 in India.
Former club media liaison officer Niko Omollo, who spoke on behalf of the supporters, described the journey as a long overdue farewell.
“Since he died, the fanbase that loved him so much has never had the chance to come and condole with the family,” he said. “This trip was necessary. Raila gave his heart to this club.”
Omollo revisited Odinga’s two-decade-long relationship with Gor Mahia — one that saw him intervene during financial crises, attend matches, and regularly host players at his Karen residence.
He recalled their last meeting before Odinga left the country for treatment. “He called the team to Karen and gave them Sh10 million for club operations. That kind of generosity touched us deeply,” he said, his voice heavy with emotion.
Fans and members of the playing unit made a public pledge: that the club will fight for the 2025 FKF Premier League title in his honour.
“We owe it to our patron to win this league,” Omollo announced. “Every match and every victory from now onwards will be dedicated to Raila Odinga until the championship returns to our cabinet,” he said.
The turnout was bolstered by nationwide mobilisation spearheaded by notable supporters, among them Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and former club Secretary-General Sam Ocholla, who helped coordinate transport for fans travelling from Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Busia and Nairobi.
To supporters, the visit underscored a truth often overshadowed by Odinga’s political career — that beyond national politics, he was a pillar of Kenyan sport, a patron who carried the club through some of its darkest moments.
“Raila was not just a politician. He was football family,” Omollo said.
By Chris Mahandara
