Former Harambee Star and Gor Mahia captain Austin Oduor Origi, alias Makamu, has passed on.
The Legendary Origi who passed on Tuesday night led Gor Mahia to a historic victory in the 1987 African Cup Winners' Cup (Nelson Mandela Cup) against Espersense De Tunis.
The family has confirmed his death.
He collapsed and was rushed to hospital with heart complications. He was put on Oxygen but sadly passed on.
Former Gor Mahia and Harambee stars midfielder Sammy Kempes mourned his death saying it was a sad day to the world of football.
Kempes adds that Origi was a personal friend whom they grew up with at Ziwani in the mid-70s and at some point even lived together.
“We played together at Umeme and later formed Umeme Beez together at Ziwani. I introduced Origi to Gor Mahia having joined two years ahead of him before I left for the USA, I wasn’t shocked by his achievements and leadership because I could see it in him. My sincere condolences to the family,” said Kempes who spoke to the Star on the phone
Former Harambee Stars cocah Ghost Mulee on his part described the late as an honest person, highly disciplined and a big achiever.
“My interaction with him showed me we still have honest people in football. He played three African Cup of Nations and led KO’gallo to the only continental title in 1987, something no club in East Africa has achieved proving he was a great achiever. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Deputy State House Chief of Staff Eliud Owalo in his condolence message said:
"It is only three days ago that Austin and other former Kenyan Soccer Internationals paid a courtesy call on me at our Gangu Village home in Asembo. I have lost a friend; an elder brother; and a guardian.
"I join the Origi family; friends; relatives; and the entire Kenyan soccer fraternity in mourning one of the best and perhaps most disciplined and respected footballers Kenya has ever produced.”
Meanwhile, the Football Kenya Federation said Kenya has lost a great legend who gave all for Harambee stars with pride and brought honour to the Nation.
Makamu led the Origi football dynasty and is the father of former Harambee Stars goalkeeper Arnold Origi, uncle to former Liverpool striker Divock Origi and brother to Belgium-based former Harmbee stars and Shabana striker Mike Okoth Origi