Kenya Basketball Federation boss Paul Otula passes on

KBF Chairman Paul Otula during the unveiling of Morans team at Nyayo National stadium. Nov 7, 2020. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) president and former Maseno School Principal Paul Agali Otula has passed on.

According to the family, Otula suffered a cardiac arrest at his home in Nairobi yesterday, leading to his untimely demise. The body was taken to the Lee Funeral Home.

The sad news left the basketball and the education fraternity quite in shock. They mourned Otula, terming him a man of all seasons in the two sectors.

While condoling with the family, KBF released a statement saying: "It is with immense sorrow that the Kenya Basketball Federation announces the sudden passing of our Chairman, Mr. Paul Agali Otula, HSC, earlier today.

"Mr. Otula was a dedicated leader, mentor, and towering figure in Kenyan basketball. His passion, vision, and service to the game and the nation will never be forgotten.

"We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the entire basketball community. Further details will be shared in due course. May his soul rest in eternal peace."

In honour of Otula's demise, KBF Men's Premier League champions Nairobi City Thunder cancelled their last night's fixture against Stanbic Bank and Sunday's fixture against National Bank of Kenya.

Women's national basketball team, Lionesses, head coach George Mayienga grieved Otula as a good man, a great friend and a respectable teacher.

"In February, we travelled together to Cairo for the women's Afro Basketball Championship Qualifiers. His valuable insights in Egypt guided the squad to a podium finish- in third place," Mayienga highlighted.

"As KBF president, Otula became so close to the basketball fraternity, especially when he moved to Nairobi. His presence in the city steered the association to greater heights and the right direction," added Mayienga.

Kenya Judo Federation president Shadrack Maluki also conveyed his condolence message to Otula's family, friends and loved one saying the country has lost a visionary sport veteran.

"The Kenya Judo fraternity is mourning with you. I have worked with Otula for a protracted period. He was a diligent man. He was focused on taking the industry to the next level. He shared my vision. He is one whom I will truly miss," Maluki stated.

Former KBF Marketing Manager Cynthia Mumbo was equally shocked by the sad news of Otula's passing. She wrote this on her social media pages: "Chairman, we spoke last week. You shared that you couldn't come to Kisumu because of some national duty. I stood against you in the last election. We left with much respect for each other. I am beyond words. Rest in peace, Chairman."

Otula started his illustrious sports and education career as a classroom teacher and basketball coach at Mang'u High School in 1998 and later rose to Deputy Principal and eventually Principal.

He then took over as the Maseno School Principal in 2001, succeeding Walter Okumu Amadi. Under his leadership, Maseno excelled in academics and sports, with the school's rugby team representing Kenya at the Dubai 7s and the basketball team winning the Engen Africa Youth Basketball Championships in South Africa (2003).

He then proceeded to Sunshine Secondary School in Nairobi in 2018, serving until 2021, when he resigned to pursue a political career, aiming for the Karachuonyo parliamentary seat in the 2022 General Elections which he failed to clinch.

He was first elected KBF Chairman in 2008, holding the position for multiple terms. Before his passing, Otula sat on the executive board of the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K).

Otula had expressed interest in the adjourned NOC-K elections, where he was contesting for the assistant treasurer's post.