Deputy Chief of Staff in the Executive Office of the President, Eliud Owalo, has promised to champion the rights and welfare of retired Kenyan athletes.
Owalo, who is also the current Gor Mahia FC deputy patron, made the remarks after visiting former AFC Leopards and Harambee Stars captain Martin Imbalambala, whose career ended abruptly after losing his eyesight.
On Saturday afternoon, Owalo made a courtesy visit to Imbalambala’s home in Hamza, Nairobi, accompanied by football greats Josephat Murila “Controller”, Mickey Weche “T9”, and Mike Amwayi.
The meeting offered a mix of reflection, resolve, and renewed hope. “This afternoon, I had the honour of visiting Martin Imbalambala — once a towering figure in Kenyan football. His story is one of resilience and quiet strength,” said Owalo.
Imbalambala, who captained both AFC Leopards and the national team, saw his promising career come to a tragic halt in 2018 due to a rare eye condition that rendered him blind.
Speaking during the visit, Imbalambala opened up about the deep personal and professional challenges he has faced since his sudden exit from active football. “It has not been easy,” he admitted.
“From stadium lights and national cheers to total darkness — that shift was emotionally shattering. But I’m still here, and I believe I can still inspire others.”
He expressed gratitude for the visit and the renewed attention to athletes’ welfare. “I appreciate the visit by Mr. Owalo and the legends. It gives me strength. It shows I’m not forgotten,” he said.
Owalo used the moment to spotlight the urgent need for a national strategy to support retired athletes, especially those with disabilities.
“Martin’s resilience is inspiring. His journey underscores the urgent need to establish a sustainable framework to honour, support, and empower Kenya’s sporting legends — during and after their careers,” he said.
He emphasised that Kenya must move from lip service to lasting structures. “We can't celebrate our heroes in their prime and abandon them when the stadiums go quiet. I am committed to engaging duty bearers and stakeholders to craft a support system that ensures no legend is forgotten,” Owalo declared.
He also hinted at initiating a dialogue with the Ministry of Sports and the Council of Governors to develop county-level programs targeting retired athletes.
The visit concluded with a pledge from the legends in attendance to rally for their own, forming a support network that extends beyond ceremonial appearances. “We’re going to walk with Martin and many others like him,” said Mickey Weche. “This must be the start of something bigger.”
