This archive report was first published on 20 July 2019.
On Saturday, Joe Kadenge was laid to rest in a football-themed burial ceremony that was a fitting tribute to a Kenyan legend who captured the hearts of many in his prime.
The ceremony, held at Gisambai Primary School in Vihiga, was attended by the country's top football administrators, current and former, as well as members of the political class.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga had earlier declared that he would see through the proposal to rename a 'top stadium' after Kadenge and erect a statue in his honour.
Former Kenya Football Federations chairman Sam Nyamweya and former Harambee Stars head coach Jacob Ghost Mulee, who led Harambee Stars to the Africa Cup Of Nations in 2004, were among those who paid their last respects.
Football legends Josephat 'Controller' Murila and Agrrey Lukoye praised Kadenge as a person who will forever be remembered for his excellence on the football pitch.
Speaking to Citizen Digital, Lukoye recalled that he knew Kadenge in 1971 and that Kadenge had given him boots as a younger player, allowing him to play with him in the same team from 1972 to 1974.
“Kadenge was a nice person who had a good heart-he wanted the best from players around him,” Lukoye said.
“The government should remember to recognize legends while they are alive,” he added.
