This archive report was first published on 19 July 2019.
On July 18, 2019, a requiem mass was held at Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega to honor the life of Joe Kadenge, a football legend who passed away. The mass was attended by hundreds of relatives, friends, and football fans, who converged at the stadium to pay their respects to the late Kadenge.
According to eyewitnesses, the police had a difficult time containing the crowds that had gathered to catch a glimpse of Kadenge's body, which was flown to the stadium at 12:36 pm. The body was received by Kadenge's two widows, Mable and Mary, who were present at the mass.
The requiem mass was presided over by Pastor Hannington Atenya of the Friends Quakers Kakamega. In attendance were Vihiga Governor Wilbur Ottichilo, his deputy Patrick Saisi, Kakamega Deputy Governor Philip Kutima, and Hamisi MP Charles Gimose, among others.
Evans, Kadenge's son, eulogized his father as a role model who always put the needs of his family first. One of Kadenge's closest friends, Joseph Muyeka, recalled how they started playing football together at Musingu Intermediate School in 1951.
Charles Gimose described Kadenge as a national hero who brought fame to the nation through his football career. Patrick Saisi credited Kadenge with inspiring him to take up football in the early 1960s. Philip Kutima, the Kakamega Deputy Governor, remembered following Kadenge's football exploits through a radio at a neighbor's home.
Shirleen, Kadenge's granddaughter, described him as a wonderful grandfather who never grew old. The football legend's legacy continues to inspire new generations of football fans in Kenya.
