The football fraternity has been plunged into mourning following the death of former Head Coach of the Trans Nzoia Falcons Justin Okiring.
According to preliminary reports, Okiring succumbed to injuries in hospital after he was attacked by unknown people on the evening of Saturday, December 13.
At the time of his death, he was recuperating at the Wamalwa Kijana Referral Hospital in Kitale.
The Football Kenya Federation confirmed Okiring’s death in a statement on Tuesday, December 16, as they sent condolences to the tactician’s family.
“Football Kenya Federation mourns the passing of Justin Okiring, former Head Coach of Trans Nzoia Falcons,” a statement from FKF read.
“FKF extends its sincere condolences to his family, friends, and the entire Trans Nzoia Falcons fraternity during this difficult time,” read the statement.
Okiring was attacked near the Trans-Nzoia-West Pokot border, an area which is infamous for bandit attacks. However, a source revealed the attack was likely from people known to the coach.
As a coach, he earned recognition for his pragmatic style, most notably during his tenure with the women’s team Trans-Nzoia Falcons, where he led the side for several months before leaving in 2023.
His coaching stint was mainly marked with management of school teams, with one of his more notable tenures coming at Wiyeta Girls, where Okiring led the team to multiple national titles.
Under his stewardship, Wiyeta Girls famously clinched the East Africa Secondary School Games (FEASSSA) in 2017.
In the football realm, he is cited as one of the most successful high school football coaches thanks to his ability to win trophies and develop young talent.
Besides specific trophies, Okiring is also credited with developing talent, as a number of Harambee Starlets players, including Jentrix Shikangwa, Nelly Sawe and Mwanahalima Adam passed through his coaching at some point.
