This archive report was first published on 30 August 2019.
On Friday, Robert Ouko Gwaro, a legendary Kenyan athlete, was laid to rest in his home in Kerarapoun, Ngong, amidst calls from local and international athletes for the government to provide aid to ailing sportsmen, especially after retirement.
The athletes who attended the funeral emphasized the need for the government to establish a kitty to support local sportsmen. This call was made possible by the Umash Funeral Services' new program, which covered funeral expenses for neglected legends like Ouko.
Umash Funeral Services provided a coffin, waved the mortuary bill, and offered transport services for free to the fallen hero. Ouko was eulogized as a great athlete who had been steadfast in mentoring young athletes and bringing glory to the nation since his heydays in the Kenya Prisons.
Robert Ouko succumbed to diabetes and chronic lymphocytic leukemia, which he had been battling since 2004. He had undergone numerous fund drives to offset his hospital bills.
During his illustrious career, Ouko ran the 3rd leg of the men's 4400M relay final at the Munich Olympics in 1972, handing the baton to the late Julius Sang, who ran the anchor leg in 43.5 seconds to win the only gold for team Kenya at an Olympics event.
At the same Olympics, Ouko finished 5th in the 800M behind American David Wottle, Yevgheny Arzarov of Russia, Mike Boit who took Bronze, and Frans-Josef Kemper of the then West Germany.
Additionally, Ouko won two gold medals at the 1970 British Commonwealth games; 1st in 800M and then as a member of the Kenyan 4400M relay team.
