Presidential aspirant and Gor Mahia patron Eliud Owalo has joined the country in mourning legendary Kenyan footballer Allan Thigo.
Owalo, who is eying to replace President William Ruto in the next year’s polls, described Thigo as one of the greatest midfielders Kenya has ever produced.
He expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the former Gor Mahia star, praising his immense contribution to Kenyan football both at club and national team level.
“It is with great sorrow that I have learnt of the death of Thigo, one of Gor Mahia’s and Kenya’s greatest football legends,” Owalo said in a heartfelt message on Sunday.
Thigo, widely celebrated for his exceptional midfield mastery, earned several nicknames during his illustrious career, including the “90-minute man, the midfield general, Ogango Wuon Pap,” and Owner of the field.”
The football icon played for Gor Mahia for a record 13 years between 1970 and 1982, becoming the heartbeat of the club during one of its most successful eras.
He later served as player-coach and guided the club to an unbeaten league title in 1976.
In 1979, Thigo further cemented his legacy by leading Gor Mahia to the finals of the African Cup Winners’ Cup as player coach, a historic achievement for Kenyan football at the time.
According to Owalo, Thigo scored a remarkable 88 goals for Gor Mahia and earned 86 caps for the Harambee Stars.
“Kenyan soccer has lost the greatest attacking midfielder of his generation, known for beauty, flow, entertainment connecting players and fans and orchestrating the finest midfield play ever displayed by a Kenyan soccer team,” Owalo stated.
The former midfielder’s death has triggered an outpouring of grief from football fans, former players, and sports leaders across the country, many remembering him as a symbol of excellence and artistry in Kenyan football.
“May the Almighty rest his soul in eternal peace,” the former ICT Cabinet Secretary said.
Owalo conveyed his condolences to Thigo’s family, friends, relatives, and the wider football fraternity, saying the late footballer’s legacy would endure for generations.
“At this moment of grief, I lead the Gor Mahia family and the entire Kenyan soccer fraternity in honouring a soccer idol whose footprint in Kenyan soccer will be remembered for generations to come,” he said.
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