Gor Mahia Football Club has officially confirmed the appointment of Deputy Chief of Staff in the Executive Office of the President of Kenya, Eliud Owalo, as its substantive club patron, replacing former Prime Minister the Late Raila Odinga.
The announcement was made through a press release dated November 9, 2025, and signed by club chairman Ambrose Rachier.
Owalo Takes Over
This follows an earlier communication on October 16, 2025, which indicated that Owalo, then serving as the club’s deputy patron, had taken over as acting patron.
The latest confirmation formalizes his position as the official head of the club’s patronage structure.
“This is to formally notify the general public, the football fraternity in general and the Gor Mahia Football Club members in particular and the Gor Mahia fans at large, that the club has confirmed the appointment of Hon. Eliud Owalo FHRM, FESK, EGH as the substantive club patron with effect from the first day of November, 2025.”
Raila Odinga, a long-time supporter and influential figure within Gor Mahia, had served as patron for decades, providing both symbolic and material support.
His tenure coincided with the club’s dominance in domestic football and its resurgence in continental competitions.
Owalo’s Gor Mahia Journey
In April 2025, Eliud Owalo was officially unveiled as Deputy Patron of Gor Mahia FC. A lifelong supporter, he committed to strengthening the club’s administration and professional structures.
His goals included acquiring land for a stadium, constructing a clubhouse and players’ residences, and establishing a professional secretariat with robust systems and accountability.
At his unveiling, Owalo declared his intention to reengineer Gor Mahia FC into a leading football club in Africa.
He emphasized infrastructural projects—stadium, clubhouse, housing—and vowed to professionalize operations.
Owalo’s plan also included strategic player recruitment and organizing for sustainability and growth.
Following the death of patron Raila Odinga, on October 16, 2025, Gor Mahia FC appointed Owalo as Acting Patron.
The club sought continuity and honored Odinga’s passing by promoting the deputy into the top role.
Owalo’s Gor Mahia Journey
In April 2025, Eliud Owalo was officially unveiled as Deputy Patron of Gor Mahia FC. A lifelong supporter, he committed to strengthening the club’s administration and professional structures.
His goals included acquiring land for a stadium, constructing a clubhouse and players’ residences, and establishing a professional secretariat with robust systems and accountability.
At his unveiling, Owalo declared his intention to reengineer Gor Mahia FC into a leading football club in Africa.
He emphasized infrastructural projects—stadium, clubhouse, housing—and vowed to professionalize operations.
Owalo’s plan also included strategic player recruitment and organizing for sustainability and growth.
Following the death of patron Raila Odinga, on October 16, 2025, Gor Mahia FC appointed Owalo as Acting Patron.
The club sought continuity and honored Odinga’s passing by promoting the deputy into the top role.
Roles of Gor Mahia’s Club Patron
Traditionally, the patron serves as the symbolic head of the team, providing leadership and visibility beyond the pitch.
This role often attracts individuals with influence, capable of rallying support and resources for the club.
A patron is expected to champion Gor Mahia’s interests in public forums, strengthen ties with sponsors, and open doors to strategic partnerships.
Financial backing is another critical aspect and while not always direct, the patron’s networks often secure funding for player welfare, infrastructure projects, and operational stability.
Community engagement forms a key part of the role and Gor Mahia’s fan base, famously known as the “Green Army,” looks to the patron as a custodian of the club’s heritage.
Supporting grassroots programs and youth development initiatives ensures continuity and nurtures future talent.
Also Read: Top 5 Teams Lionesses Will Face as Kenya Hosts Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens
In recent years, the role has evolved to include advocacy for professional management for Gor Mahia.
Modern football demands transparency, structured governance, and sustainable revenue streams.
A proactive patron can influence these reforms, positioning Gor Mahia as a competitive force locally and across Africa.
Gor Mahia 25/26
Gor Mahia have started the new Kenyan Premier League campaign strongly, sitting second on the table with 13 points from six matches.
Also Read: Profile of Beldine Odemba, Kenyan Coach Who Led Harambee Starlets to WAFCON Qualification
The team has recorded four wins, one draw, and one loss, scoring nine goals while conceding only two.
Recent victories include a 2–0 away win over Kenya Police and a 3–0 home triumph against Posta Rangers, delivering four clean sheets so far.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
