This archive report was first published on 14 May 2021.
Former Nairobi County Government Speaker Alex ole Magelo, 67, passed away last week at Nairobi Hospital after a short illness.
Magelo, who was the chairman of AFC Leopards, will be buried on Saturday at his home in Kipeto, Kajiado County.
However, due to strict Covid-19 rules, most supporters of the club will not attend his burial. Instead, they will follow the proceedings online.
Only Magelo's extended family, friends, and a few politicians will bid him goodbye.
Magelo's funeral committee has set specific limits on the number of people who may attend the funeral as well as the length of the funeral service, followed by a private family burial.
Traditionally, people from the Luhya community in western Kenya, where the club enjoys a fanatical following, express their emotions through singing, passionate eulogies, and supporting the bereaved. However, the Covid-19 pandemic is blowing these traditions apart.
Magelo rose through the ranks from a committee member in the 80s to become an assistant treasurer and finally chairman of the club. He was also a member of the Kenya Leather Development Council.
Maurice Amahwa, who headed the 'Leopards Rescue Team' to save Ingwe in 2019, said, "My team received a lot of support from Magelo. We shall miss him, and I hope we use this opportunity as AFC to support the club."
