Owalo unveiled as Gor deputy patron, pledges to deliver stadium

Deputy Chief of Staff in the Office of the President, Eliud Owalo, has pledged to prioritize the construction of a modern stadium for Gor Mahia FC, Kenya’s most decorated side and 21-time Kenya Premier League (KPL) champions.

Owalo was officially unveiled on Wednesday as the club’s new Deputy Patron, succeeding former Homa Bay Governor Cyprian Awiti, who stepped aside due to health reasons.

Speaking at the unveiling, Owalo outlined a bold infrastructure plan for the club, anchored on the immediate acquisition of land for a state-of-the-art stadium. He termed the move “a game-changing development for a club that has long relied on shared public venues.”

Founded in 1968, Gor Mahia has never owned a stadium, instead depending on shared facilities such as Kasarani and Nyayo Stadiums in Nairobi, and Moi Stadium in Kisumu for both local and international fixtures.

In addition to the stadium, Owalo vowed to construct a modern clubhouse and residential quarters for players and the technical bench—signalling a shift toward professionalizing the club’s day-to-day operations.

“My mission is to reengineer Gor Mahia and position it as the largest and most successful football club on the continent,” he said. “We’re building systems, not just structures—institutions that will stand the test of time.”

A key component of that vision includes bolstering the club’s squad through aggressive recruitment of top-tier talent, including foreign players, aimed at restoring K’Ogalo’s continental competitiveness.

A passionate supporter, registered member, and long-time benefactor of Gor Mahia, Owalo brings both a deep personal connection and high-level professional experience to the role.

He also pledged to establish a professional secretariat to streamline operations, enhance transparency, and ensure accountability within the club’s management. A strategic roadmap, detailing both immediate interventions and long-term goals, is already in development.

To reinforce his commitment to performance, Owalo awarded Ksh 600,000 to the playing unit and Ksh 400,000 to the club’s management, urging them to win both the FKF Premier League and FKF Cup this season, targets that would secure Gor Mahia a return to CAF competitions.

The leadership transition comes in the wake of Gor Mahia’s internal elections, which saw long-serving Chairman Ambrose Rachier retain his position.

Also elected were Sally Bolo as Vice Chairperson, Nick Arum as Secretary General, and Gerphas Okuku as Honorary Treasurer.

The club’s Patron, Raila Amollo Odinga, remains a central figure in Gor Mahia’s legacy and ongoing transformation. Owalo paid tribute to his predecessor, Awiti, for his years of service and dedication, noting that his guidance would still be welcome when needed.