Kenya Police Captain Pays Glowing Tribute to Raila Odinga Ahead of Historic Send Off

The former Harambee Stars defender lifted Kenya Police's maiden FKF Premier League title after being handed the trophy by Raila Odinga last June.

Kenya Police captain David ‘Cheche’ Ochieng has paid a glowing tribute to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, describing him as a “true gentleman” and one of the greatest supporters of Kenyan sports.

Speaking to Tata Sports ahead of their crucial CAF Champions League return leg against Al Hilal Omdurman, Ochieng said the entire Police squad was deeply saddened by the passing of Odinga, who also served as Gor Mahia’s patron and a long-time advocate for sports across the country.

“It’s sad for everyone because we all know the impact Baba has had on sports — from the national teams to the clubs,” said Cheche.

“He was the Gor Mahia patron, but despite being a rival patron, he still congratulated us when we won the title and even handed the trophy over to us. That showed the kind of leader and gentleman he was.”

Ochieng revealed that he had interacted with the late Odinga on several occasions and described him as a unifying figure whose influence went beyond football.

“I met him three times — twice with the national team and once with Police FC,” he said. “He was always humble and respectful.

“ He didn’t just support football; he supported rugby, athletics, and many other sports. Kenya has lost a true statesman and a great supporter of our athletes.”

We Have to Celebrate Baba For Everything He Did

Odinga is set to be buried at his rural home in Bondo, Siaya County on Sunday, with his memorial service set to be held at Nyayo Stadium, a ground where he witnessed alot of historic sporting moments during his journey on earth.

Police were set to honor their fixture at the stadium, but will now have to face Al Hilal at the Ulinzi Sports Complex behind closed doors. 

Regardless, Ochieng believes Odinga, commonly known as “Baba”, deserves the right kind of send off.

“We have to celebrate Baba because he gave his all for this country. There’s nothing more we could have asked of him. May his soul rest in peace, and may his family find strength during this difficult time. That’s what God wanted — life must move on, but we’ve learned a lot from him.”

Turning attention to their upcoming continental assignment, Odinga said the team would use Baba’s memory as extra motivation against Al Hilal.

“His passing has been a big emotional boost for us ahead of the match,” he noted. “We know Al Hilal are a very good team, but we’re prepared for it. It will be a do-or-die tie because both sides want to reach the group stage. 

“We’re representing Kenya in the Champions League, and if we win, we’ll dedicate it to our former Prime Minister. Police belong among the big boys, and we’ll fight hard to make the country proud.”

Police will need a win to give them much-needed advantage before they travel to Zanzibar to honor the second leg against the Sudanese giants.