DP Ruto lauds Kadenge as a great sportsman, respected footballer

Deputy President William Ruto on Monday joined other leaders and football fraternity in mourning the football legend Joe Kadenge.

The 84-year-old football legend died on Sunday while undergoing treatment at a Nairobi hospital.

Speaking when he visited his family in Nairobi together with other leaders, Dr. Ruto said Mzee Kadenge contributed greatly to the development of football in Kenya terming him as a ‘great sportsman and respected footballer’.

“It is a great feat that one person can make such a big contribution to the game. Kadenge became synonymous with football in Kenya and we owe him a lot…he was not only a great sportsman, football legend, but also brought up a family of sportsmen and mentored many,” he said.

Dr. Ruto challenged AFC Leopards Club Chairman Dan Shikanda to elevate AFC Leopards club beyond its western Kenya influence as that was what Kadenge could wish for.

Dr Shikanda noted that a minute silence was held during Sunday’s game between Algeria vs. Benin in honor of Kadenge’s memory.

The family spokesman, Chris Mmbwanga, thanked the Government for a special NHIF card that catered for Kadenge’s medical expenses.

His widow, Mary Kadenge, thanked Dr Ruto and government officials, including Sports CS Amina Mohammed, Kipchumba Murkomen, Aaron Cheruiyot, Nixon Korir, Bernard Shinali Speaker Ken Lusaka and Charles Njagua for taking time to visit and pray with the family.