Tribute to former Stars striker Patrick Nachok

By SAMMY SHOLEI

I remember the year 2002 because that is the year Patrick Nachok died.

Nanchok was part of Breweries FC (now renamed Tusker) team which used to check the dominance of Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards.

Nanchok, myself, George Opondo, Vincent Kwarula, Henry Motego, Randa ‘Coe’, Musa Otieno, Charles Bwire Namudeche and Joseph Kibera, were a few of the top players then.

After our playing days, Nachok used to frequent our offices at Africa Online Upper Hill.

He was clearly struggling with life and the first time I saw him after a long time he was looking for Sh 800 for his house rent in Kibera.

He had been locked out because of two month rent. He was also looking for employment, any employment. He actually was ready to work as a watchman, something that really sapped my energy. It was sad Nachok had reached this point, which really made me feel sad.

I was not able to help much then, since I did not have any influence in the public service or corporate world as I was a mere driver, who had also survived this kind of life after being out of employment for three tough years (from a Computer Operator at KBL).

One Sunday when I was attending the Tusker-Mathare match at Ruaraka on September 8, 2002, some Mathare fans shouted that I should go to City Mortuary to claim the body of my brother Patrick Nachok.

I was with George Opondo. We looked at each other shocked. We had no idea that Nachok was long gone. Mathare fans called him my brother. Someone shouted that I should go and claim the body of my Turkana brother.

Because we previously played for Rivatex and the fact that we both came from pastoralist tribes  confused people who thought we were either brothers or came from the same village.

We again played for Breweries and the national team, Harambee Stars.

Nachok was found dead on August 3, 2002. His body was taken to Nairobi City Mortuary where it stayed unclaimed for over a month.

On reaching the City Mortuary, we met Nachok’s wife who had also been informed of her husband’s death. They were not living together then.

Unable to earn a living from the game given his talent, Nachok retreated to the scruffy estate of Majengo where he eked out a miserable living washing cars.

He turned to the bottle for solace and was inevitably found lying dead on the streets like a stray dog. He was in his 40s.

We converged at the Ruaraka grounds after the match and planned to go to City Mortuary and confirm the news. Opondo and I marshaled Breweries FC players and friends, organised a fund raiser and we buried Nachok at the Langata Cemetery.

It is 11 sad years since Nachok died. We played together. A hugely talented player who was found dead by the road side. Footballers ought to learn and prepare for their retirement.

Rest in Peace our brother. We’ll form a team in heaven.