The Kenyan football fraternity is in mourning following the tragic passing of Austin Oduor Origi, the former Harambee Stars and Gor Mahia captain, and patriarch of the Origi family.
His untimely death comes as a shock, particularly as he was seen over the weekend in the company of Eliud Owalo, Deputy Chief of Staff in the Executive Office of the President, at Owalo’s home in Asembo.
Owalo shared the gathering with several Kenyan football legends on his social media, saying, “With Kenyan Soccer Legends John ‘Bobby’ Ogolla; Austin Oduor ‘Makamu’; Peter Dawo ‘Omuga’; George Onyango ‘Fundi’; David Ochieng ‘Kamoga’; James Goro Oronge; Tobias Ocholla ‘Jua Kali’; Micke Otieno; Laban Jobita; and Gerald Omollo ‘Chonjo’ at our Gangu Village Home in Asembo yesterday (Saturday).”
The group had participated in activities in Awendo over the weekend, including the donation of football equipment to local teams. Austin Oduor, who hailed from one of Kenya’s most distinguished sporting families, was known not only for his football achievements but also for his close family ties to Kenyan sports royalty. His brother Mike Okoth is the father of Divock Origi, the Belgian international footballer, and his other brothers, Gerald and Anthony, also played for local teams.
Austin Oduor’s Storied Career
Austin Oduor grew up in Ziwani and began his professional football journey with Umeme FC in 1976 before signing with Gor Mahia in 1980. His nickname, “Makamu,” was earned due to his role as deputy to greats like Sammy ‘Kempes’ Owino. Over time, Oduor cemented his place in the first team and became one of Gor Mahia’s most respected captains.
Among his notable achievements, Oduor led Gor Mahia to a historic Mandela Cup victory in 1987 after defeating Tunisian giants Esperance. He was also instrumental in guiding the club to a hat-trick of league titles from 1983 to 1985. At the national level, Oduor was part of the Harambee Stars squad that qualified for three consecutive Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, a feat that remains unmatched to this day.
A Legacy to Remember
Austin Oduor leaves behind an indelible legacy both on and off the pitch. His contributions to Kenyan football are monumental, and his leadership at Gor Mahia earned him a permanent place in the club’s storied history as one of its most successful captains.
While the family is yet to release an official statement confirming his passing, several football legends and close associates have corroborated the news, sending waves of grief throughout the Kenyan sporting community.
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