How Gor Mahia Chairman Paid Tribute to Raila Odinga’s Lifelong Love for K’Ogalo

Often when great men depart, their legacy speaks louder than any words uttered in their lifetime. For Gor Mahia chairman Ambrose Rachier, the passing of the Right Honourable Raila Amolo Odinga — fondly known as Baba — has left an irreplaceable void in the heart of Kenyan football. 

Rachier’s moving tribute paints a vivid picture of a patron whose passion for sports transcended politics and personal ambition.

In an emotional reflection, Rachier recalled how his journey into football leadership was intertwined with Raila’s guidance and blessings. 

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After unsuccessfully contesting the Gem Constituency Parliamentary Seat in 2007, Rachier shifted his focus to serving the community through football — a decision that would define his career for decades to come.

His entry into Gor Mahia leadership, however, was nothing short of dramatic.

“One Sunday morning in May 2008 while working in my law firm offices in Nairobi, noisy club fans forcefully gained entry and demanded that I become the Gor Mahia boss in place of the then chairman Erastus Amondi Okul,” Rachier narrated in his tribute.

Rachier described how Raila’s early endorsement and wisdom shaped his successful tenure at the club.

 “I subsequently consulted Okul and the club patron. They both endorsed my candidature. I was then unanimously elected the chairman of the club,” he recalled.

“Without directing the club members in subsequent elections, Raila generally advised members to evaluate the performance of the Gor office before voting out any officeholder. He always made it clear that he was personally satisfied with my club leadership,” Rachier said.

Beyond leadership, Raila’s unwavering financial and moral support elevated Gor Mahia to new heights.

“Raila’s financial support was not only consistent but also immeasurable. He was instrumental in procuring the first visible club sponsorship, Brookside Dairies through their Tuzo milk brand effective 2012 to 2014 and had a hand in the procurement of the two distinct partnerships that the club has signed with betting firm SportPesa,” Rachier noted.

Rachier highlighted how Raila’s devotion to football was not confined to Gor Mahia alone.

“Besides he was visibly present whenever we faced financial challenges as we prepared to participate in regional and continental competitions, meeting the cost of travel and accommodation. He consistently motivated both our players and technical bench,” he said.

Raila’s compassion extended even to rival teams and legends of the game. 

“His unbelievable generosity was frequently noted by his cash donations after the annual Mashemeji derby to both our club and AFC Leopards,” Rachier said, adding that Baba’s support for football icons like the late Joe Kadenge was unmatched.

A former footballer himself, Raila had played for Luo Union Football Club in the early 1960s and later for East Germany’s Magdev University team while studying engineering.

His passion inspired youth tournaments in places like Maranda High School and Miguena Sports Ground, giving young talents a platform to shine.

Rachier fondly recalled Raila’s enthusiasm, saying, “Raila has without a doubt been our club fan number one judged from the manner of his vigorous almost athletic celebrations whenever our team scored a goal.”

The Gor chairman also  recounted their last meeting in a tone that turned somber. 

“On the evening of October 2, no sooner than my flight from Manchester touched down at JKIA, I received a call from our patron’s assistant asking me to get the entire Gor executive committee together and go meet Raila at his Karen home the following morning,” he said. 

During that meeting, Baba donated Sh10 million to the club and urged them to bring him the Premier League trophy.

“On October 10, after Gor Mahia won the ODM 20th Anniversary trophy at Mbaraki in Mombasa, I sent Raila a note via WhatsApp of our achievement and an inquiry of when he would be available for us to present him with the trophy. I never received a response,” Rachier said softly.

“Rest in peace the grand enigma. Rest in peace Baba,” he concluded.