The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Kenyan football is grieving the loss of former AFC Leopards winger Ezekiel Otuoma, who sadly passed away on Friday night after bravely battling Motor Neurone Disease (MND), a rare illness that impacts the brain and nerves.
Otuoma, 31, was diagnosed with the condition in 2020, which eventually left him confined to a wheelchair.
MND forced Otuoma to end his distinguished career in the Kenyan Premier League, where he also played for Western Stima, Muhoroni Youth, Ulinzi Stars, and Talanta FC.
His wife, Racheal, shared the devastating news on social media Saturday morning, expressing her profound sorrow: “You left a hole in my heart that no one else can fill. The emptiness in my arms reminds me of the love we shared. Your love was a gift and I’ll cherish it always.”
She continued, “Though it was soon, it truly broke my heart as you left on my birthday. It will never be the same again. You never said you were leaving or even showed a sign. I loved you dearly and in death, I love you still. You hold a place in my heart that only you can fill.”
Racheal concluded, “It broke my heart to lose you, but you didn’t go alone, a part of me went with you. Till we meet again.”
Ulinzi Stars expressed their condolences on social media: “The Chairman, KDF family, technical team, players, management, staff, supporters of Ulinzi Stars FC, and the entire Ulinzi family send their deepest sympathies to the family and friends as we mourn the loss of our former striker, Ezekiel Otuoma.”
AFC Leopards also paid tribute, stating: “Ezekiel Otuoma has rested. Former AFC Leopards winger Ezekiel Otuoma ‘Rooney’ has passed away. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and the entire football community. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
