HTTP 200 OK
Allow: GET, PUT, PATCH, DELETE, HEAD, OPTIONS
Content-Type: application/json
Vary: Accept
{
"id": 1493264,
"url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1493264/?format=api",
"text_counter": 105,
"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Emuhaya, ANC",
"speaker_title": "Hon. Omboko Milemba",
"speaker": null,
"content": "‘Makamu’ Oduor Origi on Thursday, 17th October 2024. The late Austin Oduor, a legendary footballer, was born on 21st July 1959 in Nairobi to the late Johaness Origi Onyango and the late Mama Leonida Apondi Origi. Oduor’s journey as a footballer began in the streets of Ziwani Estate in Nairobi City County, Eastlands area. That is where he and his childhood friends, including Sammy Owino, who later became his teammate and captain at K'Ogalo Football Club, Chao and Davie shared an insatiable passion for football. They crafted makeshift balls from cloth scraps tied together with strings, which they played on the streets and open fields of Ziwani Estate. Reflecting on those early days, his friend and teammate, Sammy 'Kempes' Owino, once recounted: ‘‘Austin was special even back then. His ambition, focus and dedication set him apart. We all worked hard but he had that spark, something that told you that he was destined for greatness.’’ Oduor schooled at Highway Secondary School and soon after, joined Umeme FC in 1976 before signing with Gor Mahia in 1980. He was mentored by grassroots coaches like Pirate Landino and Otti Father, who helped nurture his football talent from a young age. Coming from a family of distinguished footballers, both locally and internationally, Oduor was also the father of Arnold Origi – Kenya's long-time first-choice goalkeeper and the only Kenyan to play in Europe for over 15 years. Austin captained K'Ogalo FC for three consecutive premier league titles from 1983 to 1985. His leadership at Gor Mahia peaked in 1987 when he, as vice-captain, led the team to a historic victory in the Mandela Cup against Tunisian giants, Esperance, which earned him the nickname ‘Makamu’, a nod to his role as vice-captain, often deputising for the legendary Sammy 'Kempes' Owino. One of Oduor’s most celebrated moments with Harambee Stars came during the 4th All-African Games in 1987, when he scored the decisive penalty against Malawi, securing Kenya’s place in the finals. Oduor was also a core part of the Harambee Stars team that qualified for the African Cup of Nations for three consecutive times, an achievement yet to be matched. Another fond memory of Oduor’s career was his outstanding man-marking of Liberian legend, George Weah, the 1995 Ballon d'Or winner, during a match in 1989. He stifled all goal scoring opportunities for the legendary George Weah and earned Kenya a 1-0 victory against Liberia. Hon. Deputy Speaker, Oduor was also a brother to Michael Okoth Origi. He is the first Kenyan to play for top-tier European teams. He was a star of Harambee Stars in the 1990s and 2000s. His brothers, Anthony Origi and Jared Origi, also made their marks in domestic football. Furthermore, he was an uncle to the ex-Liverpool former forward, Divock Origi, who now plays for AC Milan in Italy. He also served as the Chairman of the Gor Mahia Legends Welfare Association. Alongside fellow legends like Tobias Ochola, who was famously known as Jua Kali, he helped establish the Gor Mahia Legends Welfare Association. The late Oduor also created the K’Ogalo Alumni Group, a platform for retired players to connect and support one another. As Austin Oduor is laid to rest at his rural home in Makunga of Kakamega County on Saturday, 9th November 2024, he can be celebrated as a man of hat-trick achievements. They include leading K’Ogalo (Gor Mahia) to three consecutive domestic Premier League titles in 1983, 1984 and 1985; helping Harambee Stars to qualify for the African Cup of Nations three times; and, on a lighter note, being part of the football dynasty of accomplished footballing brothers including Mike Okoth Origi, Anthony Origi and Jared Origi. That is along with the successive generation of his son Arnold Origi and nephew Divock Origi. I take this early opportunity to condole with the family and friends of the late Austin Oduor, the football fraternity, and the people of Kenya at large for the loss of an extraordinary sportsman, father, leader, elder and football legend. On behalf of Bunge FC that is captained The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor."
}