Kenya’s football fraternity has been plunged into mourning following the death of former soccer star Ezekiel Otuoma.
Taking to her TikTok account, his wife Rachael Otuoma announced his death, penning an emotional message.
“To my Husband, you left a hole in my heart that no one else can fill. The emptiness in my arms reminds me of the love we shared. Your love was a gift, and I’ll cherish it always. I loved you dearly in death, and I love you still in my heart,” wrote the wife.
Otuoma has been suffering from a motor neuron disease known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) that had made him wheelchair-bound. He was diagnosed with the disease in November 2020.
Ezekiel Otuoma football background
The former AFC Leopards striker had been undergoing treatment in various places including India. During his sickness, he had lost his ability to speak.
Otuoma appealed for finances to enable him seek medical treatment. In 2021, the betting firm Odibets came through with a donation of Ksh 2.2 million to offset his medical bills.
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The former football star played for AFC Leopards, Western Stima, Ulinzi Stars, Ushuru FC, and Muhoroni Youth. His last club was Talanta FC before he bowed out due to illness.
His former managers have described him as one of the best players in the various clubs he has played for.
Former Western Stima team manager Moses Nyalik noted that Otuoma was one of the best players to have played for the Kisumu-based FKF Premier League side.
Dismus Barasa sends a message of condolence
“Otuoma could change a game in a split of a second. He was a unique player with a winning mentality,” Nyalik said.
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He passed on at the age of 31 years and is survived by his wife Rachel Otuoma.
“Though it was so soon that’s really broke my heart you left on my birthday it will never be the same again. It broke my heart to lose you but you didn’t go alone, a part of me went with you till we meet again”, Racheal Otuoma wrote on TikTok.
Kimilili Member of Parliament Didmus Barasa sent his condolences to the family.
“May our good lord give the family peace and strength during this difficult time of mourning. Rest in eternal peace brother,” wrote Barasa.
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