End Of A Golden Era: Kenya Football Icon Joe Kadenge Passes On

NAIROBI, Kenya- The man who came to define Kenyan football, such that the phrase 'Kadenge na Mpira' used to stir local supporters in a manner that has never been matched since, Joe Kadenge, took his final bow on Sunday at a Nairobi hospital after battling ill health for years.

Tributes started pouring in for the legendary football icon who to Kenyans was placed at the same pedestal as Brazil's Pele or Argentina's Diego Maradona the moment his eldest son James Kadenge confirmed the shattering news his beloved father had passed on aged 84.

His death came just hours before the nation he served with distinction, during and after hanging his football boots prepared to host English Premier League (EPL) side Everton FC in an international friendly against Kariobangi Sharks FC at the MISC Kasarani Stadium.

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Organisers of the friendly dubbed SportPesa Cup confirmed a minute of silence would be observed before kick-off to celebrate the life of the star whose life completed the full circle, spending most of his post-paying life ferrying commuters in a taxi emblazoned with his famous name, dining with the mighty including the high political class before battling with a series of health scare after suffering a debilitating stroke.

"Our father passed on today at 9am (+3 GMT),he slept well but was overcame with sickness at 5am so we rushed him to Meridian Hospital in South B where he succumbed to his illness," his eldest son James told SportPesa News.

"We are now in the process of transferring the body to the Lee Funeral home after that we will sit down as a family to arrange for his burial. He was not only our father but was a mentor to his family and to Kenya in general, he inspired many to pursue football," the grieving son grieved.

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A shocked nation took to social media to pay homage to Kadenge with former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga posting that Kenya has lost one of the greatest talents to ever grace a football pitch in our national colours. 

"Joe Kadenge was a true ambassador for the country and Kenyan soccer. May he rest in eternal bliss. May his spirit inspire more young people to pursue the game," the political leader who has been at the forefront of raising funds to take care of the legend when he fell ill wrote.

SportPesa Premier League side, AFC Leopards SC where he made his name and catapulted the forward to national acclaim mourned their fallen hero.

"A legend has rested. We are sad to announce that our legend Joe Kadenge has passed on. Our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends . May the peace of God comfort you at this trying moment," the club tweeted on their official handle.

Leopards bitter rivals and SPL champions, Gor Mahia FC also send their condolence message in expressing shock on his demise.

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"Transition. Go Well Legendary Joe Kadenge. Someone so special can never be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family," the record 17-time national league winners posted.

Football Kenya Federation president, Nick Mwendwa, also hailed the legend in a statement released by the local governing body on Saturday afternoon.

"I'm saddened by the passing on of Kenyan football legend Joe Kadenge. His contribution and dedication to the game will forever be remembered and cherished both within and across our borders.

"On my own behalf and that of the entire Kenya football fraternity, I wish to send my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Kadenge. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at these trying times, may you find solace in the memories," Mwendwa said in his tribute.

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Kadenge was admitted at a Nairobi hospital on Valentines Day (February 14) after suffering a second stroke when his eldest daughter Everlyn passed away in the United States of America.

He was visited by President Uhuru Kenyatta and Odinga at his house in Mariakani Estate, South B, in Nairobi when he fell ill in January 2017.

Last year, Kadenge was invited by EPL side Manchester United FC when the club marked the 60th anniversary of the Munich Air Disaster that occured on February 6, 1958 when British European Airways Flight 609 crashed on its third attempt to take off from a slush-covered runway at Munich-Riem Airport, West Germany.

It marked his last foreign visit.

-Erick Ochieng contributed to this report

Joe Kadenge highlights

1960s

-Played at Abaluhya United, and won the Kenyan League

-Entered the Kenya Sports Hall of Fame

1995

-Received a distinguished Service Award from Kenyatta University

-Managed the Kenya National Football team

2002

-Received the Silver Award from the CECAFA

2005

-Won Sports Personality of The Year Award