The funeral of former AFC Leopards striker Ezekiel Otuoma took an unexpected turn when his body could not enter his former school, Mbotela High School, during the funeral procession.
Ezekiel Otuoma, who passed away in December 2024 after battling Motor Neurone Disease (MND), was honored by friends, family, and football fans. A special stop at Mbotela High School, where his football career began, was planned to celebrate his legacy. However, upon arrival, the hearse was unable to access the school due to unexplained issues.
Witnesses described the moment as tense and emotional. Several attempts were made to navigate the hearse onto the school grounds, but all efforts failed, delaying the procession. Eventually, the organizers decided to proceed directly to Otuoma’s final resting place at his family home in Gem, Siaya County.
The incident did not overshadow the heartfelt tributes paid to Otuoma during the funeral. Former teammates, coaches, and fans praised his talent, determination, and contributions to Kenyan football. Representatives from AFC Leopards, Ulinzi Stars, and FC Talanta shared moving memories of his impact on and off the pitch.
Otuoma’s widow, Rachael, thanked supporters for their love and prayers, emphasizing that her husband’s legacy will continue to inspire.”Even with the challenges today, the respect and support shown speak volumes about the man Ezekiel was,” she said.
By Kenyans