Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Delivery and Government Efficiency, and Deputy Patron of Gor Mahia FC, Eliud Owalo, paid a visit to former Harambee Stars midfielder and AFC Leopards captain, Martin Imbalambala, at his residence in Hamza, Nairobi.
Imbalambala, once a commanding presence in Kenyan football, saw his promising career end abruptly in 2018 after losing his eyesight due to a rare medical condition. Since then, he has lived away from the spotlight, grappling with life-altering circumstances that starkly contrast with the glory days of his playing career.
The two held a reflective conversation on life after football, the gaps in athlete support systems, and the urgent need for inclusive strategies to empower sports professionals living with disabilities.
Owalo emphasized the necessity of a sustainable policy framework that offers dignified support to former athletes, many of whom fade into obscurity after years of national service.
“Martin’s resilience is truly inspiring. His story highlights the urgent need to create a sustainable framework that honours, supports, and empowers Kenya’s sporting legends both on and off the pitch,” Owalo said. “We must move swiftly to establish a national framework that supports athletes during their prime and safeguards their well-being in retirement.”
Joining Owalo were celebrated Kenyan football legends Josephat “Controller” Murila, Mickey “T9” Weche, and Mike Amwayi, who lent their voices to the growing call for structured support for Kenya’s sports veterans.
“There is a generation of players whose names once rang through stadiums across this country,” said Murila. “They gave their best years to the game, and it’s time the game and the nation gave something back.”
Owalo reaffirmed his personal commitment to spearheading stakeholder engagement and policy conversations aimed at creating a more dignified future for retired sports professionals.
“I am committed to engaging duty bearers and stakeholders to ensure no legend is forgotten, starting with Martin Imbalambala. And neither will any Kenyan athlete who has flown the national flag with honour,” he concluded.
