By HAROLD AYODO

He died 88 years ago but his influence still hangs over the land he once ruled. A football Club named after him has remained a crowd puller while politicians and tourists have been flocking his graveside to savour his rich history.

Myth and superstition have made the late magician and Paramount Chief Gor Mahia, a legend among the Luo.

Prominent politicians from Nyanza often flock his shrine in Ndhiwa, Nyanza Province to get blessings. Officials of Premier League club, Gor Mahia which is named after him, visited his shrine in 1987, just before they won the prestigious Mandela Cup the same year.

The shrine at the former homestead of Gor Mahia.

Gor, who died in 1922, aged 126, is said to have wielded magical powers that made him overcome his opponents. His father – Ogalo, was also a medicine man.

A giant tree locally called Nyagidha that towers over his

former homestead is now a shrine while a few stones mark his earthen grave.

Surviving members of his clan wield great influence in Kanyamwa location where they live.

And visiting the shrine is no easy task. Guests and the locals are not allowed to pluck a leaf from any plant in the area or even pick a stone without the family’s consent, as this would disturb the late Gor’s spirits. Villagers who spoke to The Standard said those disobeying the order often fall sick and even die.

Myths has it that the leader, who had 22 wives and several children, was a friend of the legendary Maasai leader, Lenana, with whom he exchanged gifts.

A recent trip to the site that overlooks Ruma National Park, was testimony that Gor Mahia remains a legend.

Jeremiah Agola, 72 who is the oldest grandson of Gor Mahia warned me as we drove to the site.

"Do not pluck even a leaf from any plant in the area...even picking a stone is taboo without our permission," he warned.

GENERAL ELECTION

One of Gor’s grand children, Obunga Ogutu said they planned to fence the shrine.

"The shrine is a beehive of activity during General Election campaigns as politicians come to seek blessings," Ogutu said.

He added: "Herbalists also flock here in a bid to get a share of his magical powers."

Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Ruma National Park warden John Wambua says most tourists to the national park wind up their outing with a visits to the site where the legendary paramount chief was laid to rest. Ogutu says Gor Mahia FC players made several visits to the site in 1987 and retuned there last year. "Everytime they come, the club performs very well because here lies the spirit of Gor the legend," he says.