The football community is in mourning following the tragic death of former striker Ezekiel Otuoma. The beloved player, who graced the fields with Muhoroni Youth FC, Ulinzi Stars, defunct Western Stima, and AFC Leopards, passed away on Friday after a long battle with motor neuron disease, which left him wheelchair-bound since 2020 and robbed him of his ability to speak.
In a heart-wrenching tribute, his wife, Rachael Otuoma, shared the news on TikTok, describing the profound loss: “To my husband, 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. I loved you dearly in death, and I love you still in my heart.”
In a painful twist of fate, Rachael revealed that her husband passed away on her birthday.
Though it was so soon, it really broke my heart that you left on my birthday. It will never be the same again. It broke my heart to lose you, but you didn’t go alone. A part of me went with you till we meet again.
Messages of condolences poured in from AFC Leopards, Ulinzi Stars, and Muhoroni Youth, who all shared their grief and offered support to his family and loved ones:
AFC Leopards: “We pass our heartfelt condolences to his family and entire football fraternity. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
Ulinzi Stars: “The chairman and the KDF Family, technical team, players, management, staff, supporters of Ulinzi Stars FC and the entire Ulinzi family express their deepest condolences to the family and friends as we mourn the loss of our former club’s striker Ezekiel Otuoma. We pray that the Almighty comforts and strengthens Otuoma’s family, his friends, and supporters. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones and the whole football fraternity.”
Muhoroni Youth FC: “Rest easy, dangerman.”
Boniface Ambani, a legend of AFC Leopards and Harambee Stars, also expressed his gratitude towards the football community for their support during Otuoma’s illness, especially in managing his medical expenses. “It became an expensive affair to manage his medical expenses, but I thank the entire football fraternity that came in, and really did their level best to raise funds to keep our son alive. Clubs, fans, betting companies, well-wishers from within our borders and beyond played a big part in sustaining the welfare of this young man.”
Ambani also praised Otuoma’s wife, calling her a pillar of strength. “Recho, you’re one strong woman. You need a whole book, a story to tell. I have visited you guys on several occasions and personally, I have so much to say. You’ve seen it all, heard all, did everything you could. You deserve a medal.”
The family is expected to release burial plans in the coming days.
