Fallen great Kadenge given heroic sendoff

Joe Kadenge was laid to rest on Saturday at a football-themed burial ceremony fit for a Kenyan legend of the game who captured the heart of a nation in his prime.

The country’s top football administrators, current and former, as well members of the political class converged in Vihiga to pay their last respects as Kadenge finally dribbled home.

There was hardly any sight of a blade of grass at the Gisambai Primary School where fans had thronged to witness to witness the final sendoff of one of the most storied names in the country.

Mourners escalated calls to have a ‘top stadium’ renamed after him and a statue erected in honour of his cherished service after former Prime Minister Raila Odinga earlier declared he would see it through. 

Former Kenya Football Federations chairman Sam Nyamweya, former Harambee Stars head coach Jacob Ghost Mulee who led Harambee Stars to Africa Cup Of Nations 2004 are among those who arrived to paid their last respects.

Also in attendance are football legends Josephat ‘Controller’ Murila and Agrrey Lukoye have praised the late football icon former international Kadenge as a person who will forever be remembered for his excellence on the football pitch.

Murila has said that Kadenge was the one who motivated Luhyia community to be the powerhouse of football in Kenya.

“Kadenge managed to united Luhyia people through sports and his famous number 7 position is that which we live to pray for a perfect replacement”, Murila said.

Speaking to Citizen Digital, Aggrey Lukoye who is also Leopards legend has said that he knew Kadenge in 1971 while a kid and he recalls that Kadenge is the one who gave him boots as a younger player and he managed to play with him in the same team in 1972-1974.

“Kadenge was a nice person who had a good heart-he wanted the best from players around him.

“The government should remember to recognize legends while they are alive,” he added.