This archive report was first published on 11 July 2019.
On Thursday, Central Organization of Trade Union Secretary General Francis Atwoli visited the family of the late Joe Kadenge in Nairobi, calling on the government to establish a mechanism to assist Kenya's sports legends.
Atwoli, accompanied by Kakamega Senator Clephas Malala and sports administrator Susan Wamalwa, expressed his gratitude to President Uhuru Kenyatta for visiting Kadenge during his lifetime, but emphasized the need for continued support for the country's sports legends.
Atwoli, who donated Sh300,000 to the Kadenge family, described the late footballer as a true sportsman who made Kenya proud during his playing days and as a coach. He noted that many of Kenya's sports legends are ailing and struggling financially due to the lack of a support kitty after retirement.
“Most of our legends are ailing and languishing in poverty because there was not kitty put aside for them after retirement. The legends would have free food, free transport, free flight and medical cover,” Atwoli said.
Since Kadenge's passing on Sunday, his family has been receiving visitors, including Deputy President William Ruto, Opposition leader Raila Odinga, ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi, Senate Speaker Ken Lusaka, and Sports Minister Amina Mohammed. A fundraiser has been organized for Tuesday next week to raise funds for the funeral.
