This archive report was first published on 21 July 2019.
On July 20, 2019, thousands of people gathered at Gisambai Secondary School in Vihiga County to bid farewell to Joe Kadenge, a selfless football legend. The funeral service was attended by prominent leaders, including African Union Special Envoy Raila Odinga, Amani National Congress party leader Musalia Mudavadi, Devolution Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa, and Cotu secretary general Francis Atwoli.
During the service, the leaders paid glowing tribute to Kadenge, calling on the government to honor heroes who live in squalor. Raila Odinga, who presented President Uhuru Kenyatta's condolences, noted that Kadenge never dwelled on his problems and was a selfless man who gave his all for the country.
Other leaders, including Vihiga Senator George Khaniri and Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria, also spoke at the funeral, calling for the government to create a sustainable means of helping national heroes. Khaniri regretted that despite Kadenge being a household name in Kenyan football, he lived a difficult life.
John Nyawang, a former Harambee Stars player, recounted how Kadenge welcomed him to the team, while Cecafa secretary general Nicholas Musonye praised Kadenge's contributions to the regional tournament. The family eulogised Kadenge as a loving husband who treated his two wives equally.
Joe Kadenge was laid to rest at his home at 5pm on the same day.
