Romanian women’s football sides Gloria Bistrița and Farul Constanța paid tribute to Kenya’s late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga with a moment of silence before their league encounter on Saturday.
The solemn gesture took place at Gloria’s home ground, where both teams lined up before kickoff to honor Odinga’s memory. The former Gor Mahia patron was remembered as a towering statesman, and one of Africa’s most passionate champions of football.
Farul Constanța’s squad includes Kenyan internationals Lilian Awuor and Enez Mango, who joined teammates in observing the moment of silence.
On the pitch, Farul maintained their strong start to the season with a 1-0 victory, preserving top spot in the league with 20 points from nine matches. The reigning champions have now recorded six wins, two draws, and a single defeat in their title defense.
Odinga’s death on Wednesday has drawn tributes from leaders worldwide, including Barack Obama and Emmanuel Macron, both of whom hailed his lifelong fight for democracy and unity.
He will be laid to rest today at his rural home in Bondo, Siaya County, in accordance with his wish to be buried within 72 hours of his passing.
Beyond politics, Odinga’s love for football ran deep. In his youth, he played for Luo Union FC and later Bunge FC while serving as the Lang’ata MP. Even in his later years, he was a fixture at local and continental matches, often personally rewarding the Harambee Stars for strong performances.
Just a week before his death, he donated KSh 10 million to Gor Mahia to support the club’s season logistics, and graced
