Raila Odinga, the veteran Kenyan politician and former Prime Minister, passed away on October 15, 2025, at the age of 80 after suffering a heart attack while receiving treatment in India.
His death has prompted widespread tributes, including from the football community, where he was known as a passionate supporter and advocate for the sport.
A Lifelong Football Enthusiast
Odinga, often affectionately called “Baba” or “Tinga,” was a lifelong supporter and patron of Gor Mahia FC, Kenya’s most successful football club.
Just days before his death, on October 3, 2025, he hosted the club’s executive team at his Karen residence, gifting them Ksh10 million to support their 2025/26 campaign.
His final public message was a rallying cry for the team.
“Wishing K’Ogalo all the very best as they fly the Green flag higher and strive to return as champions once again. Let’s go Gor Mahia!”
From Manchester to Arsenal
In his past interviews, Raila revealed that he was once a Manchester United fan in the 1970s.
However, he became disillusioned with the club after a period of fan violence led to matches being played in empty stadiums.
“Manchester United played in an empty stadium for one year, and that’s when I migrated briefly to Liverpool and eventually found my way to Arsenal.”
Raila didn’t just support Arsenal from afar. He attended several matches at the Emirates Stadium, including a notable appearance during a 2022 clash between Arsenal and Liverpool.
“I am an Arsène Wenger Arsenalian, and we are the only club to have produced the Invincibles,” he said in a past interview.
He was also spotted watching Arsenal games during his travels, including a match against West Ham while receiving treatment in Dubai.
Raila could name players, recall historic matches, and passionately defend the team’s style of play.
Football as Raila’s Political Language
Raila often used football analogies in his speeches, likening political setbacks to match losses and victories to championship wins.
“Politics is like football. You can dominate possession and still lose. But you live to play another match. You don’t always have to score. Sometimes, you just need to control the midfield.”
He described political alliances as “formations,” referring to the handshake with President Uhuru Kenyatta as a “change in tactics” to stabilize the country, much like a coach switching from a 4-4-2 to a 3-5-2 to protect a lead.
Also Read: Gor Mahia FC: History, Nickname, and Titles Won
By speaking the language of football, Raila connected with Kenya’s youth with his references to Arsenal’s “Invincibles” or Gor Mahia’s CAF exploits, making his cultural touchpoints relatable.
He once joked during a campaign rally:
“If Arsenal fans can survive 19 years without a trophy, surely Kenyans can survive five years of bad leadership, but let’s not make it ten!”
After the post-election violence of 2007–08, Raila supported football tournaments in informal settlements as a way to foster reconciliation.
He believed that when young people played together, they saw each other not as tribes, but as teammates.
Also Read: Muhoroni Youth Appoints Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi as New Club Patron
Gor Tribute
Gor Mahia took to social media to mourn the loss of their beloved patron, Raila Odinga, describing him as a guiding light and a tremendous support to the club.
“Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of our beloved Patron, the Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga. He was a guiding light and a tremendous support to our club. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones. May he rest in perfect peace.”
The whole Kenyan footballing world has mourned the Late Raila Amolo Odinga through condolences and wishes that he may rest in peace.
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