Matiba’s love for sports remembered

Opposition leader Raila Odinga on Thursday paid tribute to fallen politician Kenneth Matiba, describing him as a passionate sports fan who worked tirelessly to improve standards of football in the country.

Odinga spoke at the late Matiba’s home in Murang’a, during a funeral service attended by thousands of mourners including President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Deputy William Ruto.

“I met and knew Matiba through his love for sports and football,” said Odinga, who is former footballer, ardent fan of the game and patron of Gor Mahia.

“He started most of the soccer academies in the country. He founded Kenya Breweries football club (now Tusker FC) which went on to win the local championship. He also brought in very good coaches. His dream was for Kenyan football to rise to international standards.”

Matiba died on April 15 aged 85. He fought hard for the restoration of multiparty democracy ism in Kenya.

His resume includes a successful stint as chairman of Kenya Football Association between 1972 and 1979, at a time Kenya qualified to play at the Africa Cup of Nations. 

During that period, Harambee Stars also won the East African Championship (a tournament now referred to as the Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup).

Incidentally, some of the challenges faced by Matiba during his stint as football boss as narrated by Odinga still exist to date.

“I recall the time he was rigged out during elections by a rival faction a move that left him very frustrated. I urged him to fight on but he later resigned,” added Odinga.

Odinga joins several football stakeholders in mourning Matiba. Others are Football Kenya Federation president Nick Mwendwa, his predecessor Sam Nyamweya, Cecafa Secretary General Nick Musonye and Kenya Football Fans Association chairman Francis Liboyi.