Isaac Juma’s final journey begins

Isaac Juma waves the Kenyan flag during Mashujaa day Celebrations at Afraha stadium in Nakuru in October 2016. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

The tentative burial date for the late Kenya’s number one football fan, Isaac Juma, has been set for February 12, 2022.

According to the family, the body of the late Juma is set to leave Mumias Mortuary on Friday with a procession leading to Bukhungu Stadium and Mumias Complex respectively for viewing and last respect before proceeding to his home for a requiem mass and overnight vigil at his home Buyenjere village, Mumias West.

A committee led by former councillor Leonard Ogutu, including other AFC Leopards fans, family and friends is meeting to finalise burial arrangements.

The late Juma leaves behind two widows, Christine Indimuli, 49, and Farida Muhoma, 40, and 13 children. In the first family, Juma sired eight children while five are from the second family.

Out of these five are in school, Brian Juma, Joseph Oloo and Powell Anyango in form three and one respectively with Ida Nalukwe and Senator Obama both candidates in Standard Eight.

Following the family appeal for help, Former Ketraco MD, Fernandes Baraza visited the late Isaac Juma’s family in Mumias West to condole with them.

He pledged to assist the 3 sons and two daughters of the deceased who are in school to complete their education.

“I’ve come here to condole with you following the loss of my great friend, Isaac Juma. I will take upon myself to ensure the three sons, Brian, Powell and Joseph also Ida and Senator Obama pursue their education. I will take you as my own children from now on,” said Barasa.  

Other leaders who have met with the family include Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya and former Sports CS Rashid Echesa.

According to the family source who sought anonymity, Juma had shared six acres of the ancestral land with his sisters and was left with four and a half for his family. He relocated from Nakuru and settled in the village to take charge of his farm before death struck.

Juma, with his flamboyant painting all over his body, was a poster fan for the national team Harambee Stars and for a long time AFC Leopards.

In 2011, he was honoured for his long term service on the stands with the Kenyan Premier League Chairman’s Award for his devotion to the game.