Mathare United Chairman Bob Munro dead

Mathare United CEO Jacktone Obure has Sunday evening confirmed the demise of the veteran football administrator, who breathed last Sunday morning at his home in Westlands - Nairobi.

A statement by his family read:

"The family of Robert Donald Munro would like to announce his death.  My darling husband Bob, as he is affectionately referred to in Kenyan football circles, has been in and out of hospital for the last six months due to respiratory problems," read part of the statement, signed by Munro's wife, Ingrid Munro. 

"A beloved father and grandfather, he breathed his last on Sunday, January 19, 2025 at his residence in Westlands, Nairobi. 

"Further updates will be provided in due course," further read the statement.

Credited for leading one of the greatest football enterprises in Kenya which nurtured hundreds of top football players, Munro was in December 12, 2024 during the Jamhuri Day celebrations honoured by President William Ruto with an Elder of the Order of Burning Spear (EBS) award for his contributions which went beyond the beautiful game.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president Hussein Mohammed has paid a glowing tribute to Munro, recalling his immense contributions to the development of the beautiful game.

"Bob Munro was a true hero of Kenyan football and a selfless leader who dedicated his life to the growth of the game. Most recently honoured with the prestigious Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear (EBS) during Kenya’s 60th Jamhuri Day celebrations, his contributions to both professionalising the Kenyan Premier League and promoting grassroots football have left an indelible mark," posted Hussein on his official X account.

"His global recognition also includes the Help for Self-Help Prize (Oslo, 1999) and the Play the Game Award for Strengthening the Ethical Values of Sport (Aarhus, 2015).

"I was fortunate to witness his passion and drive to uplift Kenyan football through collaboration and mentorship. My heartfelt condolences go to his family, friends, Mathare United, MYSA, and the entire Kenyan football community. Bob’s legacy will continue to inspire us for generations. May he rest in peace," further recalled Hussein.

Separately, FKF as an institution has also mourned one of their greatest members - Munro - noting his passion for grassroots football.

"We join the football community in mourning the loss of Bob Munro, the founder of Mathare United and a true champion of grassroots football in Kenya. His contributions to the sport and the community will forever be remembered."