- Gor Mahia honoured the late Raila Odinga with a set of beautiful gestures during their game against Posta Rangers
- The fans, the club’s leadership and the players all played a role in honouring Raila, who was their long-serving patron
- K’Ogalo won the game 3-0, thanks to second-half goals to take them third on the table with a game in hand
Gor Mahia unveiled a beautiful banner in tribute to their late patron, Raila Odinga, during their Sportpesa League match against Posta Rangers on Sunday afternoon.
Source: UGC
The record Kenyan champions played their first game since Raila passed on October 15 while receiving treatment in India.
They had been scheduled to play on October 20, but the Football Kenya Federation suspended all matches after President William Ruto announced a seven-day national mourning period.
Gor Mahia welcomed league leaders Posta Rangers at Nyayo National Stadium, looking to build on their winning momentum.
How Gor Mahia honoured Raila
From the onset, it became apparent that this would be more than a league match. It would be a game where they would honour Raila, who was not only their patron but their number one fan.
One of Raila’s last acts as patron was to donate KSh 10 million to help the club run their affairs this season.
The players walked out with one big jersey with the number 80 on the back, signifying the number of years Raila lived.
Up on the stands, the club’s leadership, led by chairman Ambrose Rachier and vice-chairperson Sally Bolo, had Raila’s chair, with another jersey written ‘Patron’ on it. The chair also had Raila’s signature hat and flywhisk.
The chair remained unoccupied for the entire period of the game.
The fans also had a huge tifo, which they held during the entire game with Raila’s image clearly visible.
On the pitch, Posta Rangers were no pushovers with Sammy ‘Pamzo’ Omollo’s frustrating K’Ogalo. They were, however, breached in the second half when Shariff Musa’s floating ball found Ben Stanley, who scored with his first touch.
Austine Odhiambo capitalised on a defensive lapse from Posta to double Gor Mahia’s lead. It was his first goal of the season after two penalty misses in past games.
In the 80th minute, fans turned on their flashlights and lit candles in an emotional moment.
Felix Oluoch completed the rout in stoppage time to give Gor Mahia maximum points and honour Baba beautifully.
Source: Twitter
The win takes them to nine points in third place, one behind Kakamega Homeboyz and Posta Rangers, but they have played a game less.
Their next game will be against Mathare United.
Arsenal fans visit Raila’s grave
Earlier, Arsenal fans visited Raila’s grave at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi on Sunday morning.
Raila was also an Arsenal fan and once attended their game at the Emirates Stadium in North London.
The Gunners beat Crystal Palace 1-0 to open a four-point gap at the top of the table.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
