Sports fraternity mourns former AFC Leopards Chairman Alex Ole Magelo

Former Nairobi Speaker Alex Ole Magelo [photo courtesy/ Musalia Mudavadi Twitter]

Kenyan sporting fraternity has come forward to pay tribute and mourn the death of Former AFC Leopards Chairman Alex Ole Magelo who died at a Nairobi hospital.

According to Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku, the former Nairobi County Assembly Speaker passed away on Saturday, May 8 while undergoing treatment at the Nairobi Hospital.

"It is with a heavy heart that I announce the death of one of our greatest sons and warriors of our community. The late Magelo died at Nairobi Hospital where he has been admitted for some weeks now," Lenku said.

Following the sad news, President Uhuru Kenyatta and Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president Nick Mwendwa led the Sports fraternity in mourning Magelo.

“We are saddened by the loss of former AFC Leopards chairman Alex Ole Magelo,” Mwendwa said.

“During his time at the club, Leopards experienced positive growth, and arguably their best position in a decade. His contribution to the game cannot be underestimated. We wish his family solace during these trying times.”

We are saddened by the loss of former AFC Leopards chairman Alex Ole Magelo.

During his time at the club, Leopards experienced positive growth, and arguably their best position in a decade. His contribution to the game cannot be underestimated.

~ Nick Mwendwa pic.twitter.com/S8WYXvC7uT — Football Kenya Federation (@Football_Kenya) May 8, 2021

In his message of comfort and encouragement, President Uhuru Kenyatta described the late Ole Magelo as an outstanding leader who worked hard to make Kenya a better country for all.

The Head of State said many will remember Ole Magelo for the good work he did as Chairman of Kenyan football giants AFC Leopards.

 “I have known the late Ole Magelo for a long time and from my interactions with him, I came to appreciate his commitment and desire to make life better for others.

“He was a gentleman and a sports enthusiast who mentored very many young people through football to become great men and women in our country. Many remember Ole Magelo for the good work he did as Chairman of Kenyan football giants AFC Leopards,” President Uhuru eulogised.

The President prayed to God to give the family of the departed leader strength and fortitude as they mourn their beloved kin.

In his condolences to the family, friends and relatives of Ole Magelo, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga said the nation has lost a patriot, a great football enthusiast and official.

In Alex Ole Magelo, the Maa have lost a strong and fearless leader who stood up for them without apologies. I have lost a steadfast and reliable friend.

Kenya has lost a patriot, a great football enthusiast and official.

May God comfort Magelo’s family and the Maa nation. pic.twitter.com/MSpeS96l6T — Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) May 8, 2021

 

On his part, former FKF president Sam Nyamweya said Ole Magelo was a generous individual with a big heart and rare organizational and problem-solving acumen that saw him successfully steer AFC Leopard in its turbulent moments when he served as its chairman.

“It is great sorrow and sadness that I have learned of the passing of my brother and friend, Alex Ole Magelo.

“The cruel hand of death has robbed the family of a loving, humble and caring father, husband, brother, uncle and pillar.

“On behalf of myself,  my family and football fraternity, I wish to convey my heartfelt condolences and pray that our Lord brings you and your family the much-needed peace during this sad and trying time,” Nyamweya said in his message of condolence. 

“I have personally lost not just a dear brother, but a loyal, dependable and honest friend and comrade with whom I worked very closely in the administration and development of football and diverse spheres in the country and region.

“In his passing on, Maa community has a lost a wise and visionary leader and elder to whom  many turned for advice and guidance. Poleni sana,” the former FKF chief further added.

 ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi also sent his condolences to the family of the deceased.

I am saddened by the demise of former Nairobi County Assembly Speaker Alex Ole Magelo. Mr Magelo who once served as AFC Leopards chairman, will be remembered for his immense contribution to the country's sporting fraternity and his service in the public limelight. pic.twitter.com/MLvagyTkIK — Musalia W Mudavadi (@MusaliaMudavadi) May 8, 2021

 

Wazito FC also took to their official social media handle and expressed shock and grief at the demise of the staunch AFC Leopards supporter.

We join the football community in mourning former @AFCLeopards chairman Alex Ole Magelo who has sadly passed on.

Magelo was passionate about football and his contribution to the game will be greatly missed.

We condole with his family and friends. May his soul rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/OW5LoTYiVt — WAZITO FOOTBALL CLUB (@wazitofc) May 8, 2021

Speaking to The Standard Sports on Wednesday, Magelo’s widow – Lucy - said the former speaker was admitted to the ICU and had been hospitalised for the past two weeks.

Ole Magelo, a long-serving councillor, was elected as the first Nairobi County Assembly Speaker in 2013 after garnering 43 votes against Paul Mutungi’s 42.