Paul Otula: True servant of the game

Tributes have poured in from clubs, players, and fans who remembered the former Maseno School and Mang’u High School Principal as a visionary administrator who was passionate about trying out new ideas, mentorship and good governance.

Family sources confirmed that Otula succumbed to a cardiac arrest at his Nairobi home in the early hours of the morning.

Kenya Ports Authority ladies team head coach Anthony Ojuwku said the long-serving Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) boss has left a lasting impact on the sport.

“What a great loss to both basketball and the education family. Chairman championed for the growth of the game of basketball and education. His fruits can be seen through the people he nurtured.

“Kenya basketball Federation, family and friends sorry for the loss. We pray for comfort at this trying time. Go well Chairman! May God rest your soul in heaven. We will dearly miss you! Sad indeed!” Ojukwu mourned.

On his part, Strathmore Blades head coach Tony Ochieng remembered the chairman as a resourceful person not just in the game but also in academia.

“I am deeply saddened by the sudden death. I have known him since my childhood and most of the players passed through him in Maseno. He was a charismatic person and always admired my team. He used to call me to make reservations about how we played.

“He has nurtured many players and had a basketball passion. My condolences to the family and my prayers during these trying moments. Rest well chairman,” Ochieng said.

Africa Nazarene University (ANU) coach Michael Oluoch remembered the chairman as a pillar in the basketball fraternity.

“It is a very sad day for the basketball fraternity. Many have benefited from the opportunities the late chairman provided such as scholarships, coaching skills. He has been a great leader; he has helped in the growth of the game. He has personally helped me grow my skills, my sincere condolences to his family,” Oluoch mourned.

Women Division One side Footprints gaffer Juma Kent says his interaction with Otula dates back to his youth days.

“I knew Chairman when he was in K.U as the team captain, a humble down to earth person. Players in the United States that have passed through Otula's handa are many but few l know is John Paul, Ronnie Ngundo among others.

“He had a chequered career as a teacher of no mean repute; Principal of both Mangu High School and Maseno School; and an icon in basketball circles. He was among the pioneer recipients of the prestigious Principal of the Year Award (POYA), a recognition given by KESSHA in partnership with TSC and the Ministry of Education.

“He leaves a Legacy very big that he taught me that "we should be thankful to each other", "I salute you my President,” Kent mourned.

Former Ulinzi Warriors captain William Ochieng, who currently coaches Snipers, remembered Otula as a helping hand in the growth of talents.

“Mr. Otula has been an inspiration and instrumental to the growth of very many individuals not only in basketball but humanity, indeed we've lost a pillar. We as Snipers do not mourn but cry for losing a friend and adviser.

“He played a vital role last year when we won the championship, forever will always miss him. To the family and entire sporting family we say pole sana for we've lost a hero.  May His soul rest in eternal peace,” he said.

On his part, Nairobi City Thunder assistant head coach Carrey Odhiambo said Otula was a true friend of the sport.

“Basketball has been rising. I am saddened with his passing, a man of very few words...I got no words to express how I feel. I pray that God gives his family grace during this period. May His soul rest in eternal peace.”

Zetech Sparks head coach Maurice Obilo couldn't hold his feelings towards the demise of Otula.

“I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Mr. Paul, I know words can't truly express the pain the family must be feeling right now, but I want to express my sincerest condolences to the Family and Friends of Mr. Paul, who was a truly remarkable person. Maybe his soul rests in peace,” Obilo mourned.

Nairobi City Thunder star Ariel Okal said the death of Otula has hit him hard.

“I am just shocked. This year is taking good people. We call him Big Man. He was not only a Federation President but a father figure too. A big loss to the family and the whole basketball and sports fraternity. Rest in peace Big Man. Death is a gateway to a new life,” Okal mourned.

“A visionary leader, mentor, and friend, Mr. Otula guided our federation with wisdom, integrity, and excellence. We will remember him not just as a chairman, but as a pillar of strength, a beacon of hope, and a true servant leader whose legacy will live on in the lives he touched and the paths he helped illuminate.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and the countless individuals across the nation and beyond who mourn this immense loss. Rest in Peace, Chairman Paul Otula. Your (Otula) legacy will forever be a part of who we are,” mourned Equity Dumas team manager Zadock Adika.