The Kenyan rugby community is mourning the sudden death of former Kenya Lionesses head coach and long-serving Nakuru RFC figure Felix ‘Ade’ Oloo, who died in a road accident on Monday, May 4, in Washington.
Authorities said Oloo was struck by a vehicle while attempting to cross Interstate 405 in Bothell, Washington, in an early morning incident that is still under investigation.
The crash occurred at about 3 a.m. near NE 160th Street. Investigators said he had exited a vehicle parked on the shoulder before attempting to cross the freeway.
The Washington State Patrol said the 41-year-old was hit by a northbound vehicle.
The driver reported the incident and is cooperating with investigators. Northbound lanes of the interstate were closed for more than three hours as officers processed the scene, causing significant traffic disruption.
Former Kenya Lionesses Head Coach and Nakuru player, Felix 'Ade' Oloo, has sadly passed away?.
— Kenya Rugby (@OfficialKRU) May 5, 2026
Felix 'Ade' Oloo Otieno was a respected Kenyan rugby coach and former player, widely recognized for his contribution to grassroots development and the growth of women’s rugby in… pic.twitter.com/alRhcw73BF
In a statement, the Kenya Rugby Union hailed Oloo as a highly respected former player and coach whose impact on the sport, especially at the grassroots level and in women’s rugby, was significant. Popularly known as Ade or “Mwalimu,” he was widely admired for his leadership, discipline, and dedication to growing the game.
“Felix Ade Oloo was a respected Kenyan rugby coach and former player, widely recognised for his contribution to grassroots development and the growth of women’s rugby in Kenya,” the statement read.
Oloo enjoyed an illustrious 15-year playing career with Nakuru RFC between 2003 and 2017.
During that time, he played a key role in one of the club’s most successful periods, helping them win back-to-back Kenya Cup titles in the 2012/13 and 2013/14 seasons. He also won the Enterprise Cup and contributed to other domestic triumphs, including the Bamburi Super Series.
After retiring, he transitioned into coaching at Nakuru RFC, where he guided both the men’s and women’s teams. His emphasis on rebuilding systems and developing young talent quickly marked him out as a progressive coach.
Oloo’s influence extended to the national stage, where he served as head coach of the Kenya Lionesses in both the sevens and 15s formats. Under his leadership, the team qualified for the Tokyo Olympics and competed in major tournaments, including the Africa Women’s competitions, the Dubai 7s Invitational, and the Elgon Cup.
Despite limited resources, Oloo is credited with building competitive squads and inspiring a new generation of players, particularly in women’s rugby. In their tribute, Nakuru RFC described him as a devoted servant of the sport whose legacy will endure within the club and the wider rugby community.