By Suleiman Mbatiah
There is an urgent need for a sustainable policy framework that offers dignified support to former athletes, Deputy Chief of Staff Eliud Owalo has said.
Speaking during a visit to former Harambee Stars midfielder Martin Imbalambala in Nairobi, Owalo said Kenya must act quickly to safeguard the welfare of its sports veterans, many of whom face tough realities after retirement.
Imbalambala, a former AFC Leopards captain, lost his eyesight in 2018 due to a rare medical condition, cutting short his football career. Since then, he has lived away from the spotlight, adjusting to life-altering circumstances.
“Martin’s resilience is inspiring,” said Owalo. “His story is a reminder that we must build a national support structure, not just for the few, but for every athlete who has flown the Kenyan flag.”
Owalo, who also serves as Deputy Patron of Gor Mahia FC, was accompanied by football legends Josephat “Controller” Murila, Mickey “T9” Weche, and Mike Amwayi. The group engaged Imbalambala in a candid conversation about life after sport and the gaps in Kenya’s athlete welfare systems.
“There’s a generation of players whose names once echoed in stadiums across the country. They gave their best to the game. The game, and the country, should give something back,” said Murila.
Owalo pledged to rally stakeholders and policy actors to push for long-term solutions for retired sports professionals, particularly those living with disabilities.
“I’m committed to making sure no legend is forgotten. Martin is just the beginning,” he said.