Ottamax calls for compensation of victims' families

Harambee Stars goalkeeper trainer Mathew Owino Ottomax

Harambee Stars and Gor Mahia goalkeeper trainer Mathew Owino Ottamax has called on the government and football authorities to compensate the families of football fans who died on the evening of Saturday 23 October during the Mashemeji derby between AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia, at the Nyayo National Stadium.

On the fateful night, Ottomax (pictured) stormed onto the pitch amidst rain of blows from the security personal, stopping the match as he tried to divert the attention of the match officials to Gate 2-where the stampede had broken out.

Although his actions bore fruit, the Kenyan football fraternity lost David Ochieng’ Oundo, Victor Juma Okoth Otieno, Winnie Karimi Kinyua, Franklin Onimu Kiribwa and Stephen Ochieng’ Onyango.

HONOUR FANS

However, four years after the disaster, the families of the departed fans are yet to be compensated and according to the former Kenyan international those fans should be honored.

“I will never forget that fateful night. The memories are still fresh in my mind, but the best thing we can do as a country right now is to honour those fans. Since 2010, I’ve never heard anybody talking about their compensation,” said Ottamax.

“Most of the fans were main bread winners in their families and the government together with the federation should support those families. Ceremonial matches should even be held in their honour.”

Ottamax also condemned the ugly scenes of hooliganism that led to the abandonment of Monday’s GOtv Shield semi-final between his former club AFC Leopards and Sofapaka.

“What happened on Monday can lead to another bigger stampede. I think the 2010 incident should have been an eye opener, but unfortunately acts of hooliganism are now on the rise as no stiff measures are taken to stamp out the vice. Although security has been heightened, nobody is showing the willingness to curb hooliganism,” said a disappointed Ottamax.

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