Just 24 hours after being officially crowned champions of the 2025/2026 SportPesa Premier League in a euphoric celebration at a capacity-filled Nyayo Stadium, the entire Gor Mahia FC contingent traveled to the Karen residence of the Odinga family for a deeply emotional and symbolic gesture.
In a moving ceremony attended by all club officials, technical staff and playing squad, club chairman Ambrose Rachier officially presented the league trophy and the previously won ODM Cup won Mombasa to Mama Ida Odinga, widow of the late former club Patron, Raila Odinga.
The visit, framed as a fulfillment of a solemn promise, was a tribute to the opposition leader who passed away last year but whose final orders to the club remain binding.
“We were here last year and we had a wonderful time with Baba Raila Odinga and Mama Ida,” Rachier said, his voice tinged with emotion.
“We remember it very well. We truly appreciate Mama Ida for always welcoming us and taking good care of the team.”
According to Rachier, the purpose of the visit was not merely social but a direct response to a command issued by former club Patron Raila Odinga before his demise.
“Baba asked us why our standards were declining, and we were honest. We told him we were facing serious financial challenges,” Rachier recounted. “He cushioned us with some good amount of money, and then he gave us his orders: win the ODM Cup in Mombasa and win this year’s league title.”
He added, pointing to the gleming silverware: “Today, we are here to present the two trophies ordered by Baba Raila Odinga. We are overjoyed that Mama Ida is here to receive them on his behalf.”
The atmosphere shifted from solemn to celebratory as Mama Ida Odinga welcomed the champions with open arms and an open-door policy.
“I am very happy to host you here at our home, and this should not be the last time you come. Feel free to visit anytime, any day,” Mama Ida said in an animated mood.
She continued: “This is a special day for all of us as we gather here after Baba’s passing. I feel honoured to host you. We have been part of this team for many years, and we remain part of it. To our champions, congratulations. Your hard work, dedication, and commitment are deeply appreciated by everyone, myself included. Thanks to everyone who contributed to this achievement.”
Also present was Raila Odinga Jr., the late leader’s son, who revealed that the homecoming was partly inspired by the overwhelming warmth he personally experienced at the championship match.
“It is a great honour to receive all of you here in honour of my late father, Baba Raila Odinga,” said the younger Odinga. “Yesterday, I attended the final match at Nyayo Stadium. I was so well received and truly felt appreciated. I felt it would only be right to invite the team here, to share some good moments as we all celebrate this great win. Please, feel at home and feel treasured.”
For Gor Mahia, the victory marks a return to the summit of Kenyan football, but today’s event in Karen underscored a deeper bond between Kenya’s most successful club and one of its most prominent political families, sealed by a promise kept in memory of a patron.
