According to reports, the Gor Mahia executive committee, in collusion with influential individuals within the club, is working on a plan to replace Odinga with ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo.
This move is seen as both a football and political game, with Gor Mahia being known for its strong following, particularly among the Luo community.
Odinga has been the club’s patron for the past decade, but the plan to replace him seems to be fueled by his waning age and political influence, as well as the desire by political operatives to replace him as the Nyanza kingpin.
The plot, which was reportedly hatched in February but was delayed due to country-wide protests, involves popularizing Owalo among Gor Mahia branches and fans.
The plan is to endear potential replacements to the club following by involving them in club operations and eventually replacing Odinga as Gor Mahia patron.
The anonymous source who spoke to Pulse Sports Kenya revealed that a significant portion of the plan involves charity, tokens, and incentives for the club management, playing unit, and numerous branches.
“It is a political game that football fans are yet to see. The plan is to endear potential replacements to club following and get them involved with club operations. Eventually they want to replace Jakom as Gor Mahia patron,” a source within the club confided in Pulse Sports Kenya.
Last week, the executive committee of Gor Mahia, headed by Chairman Ambrose Rachier and Secretary General Sam Ochola, convened a meeting at the ICT Cabinet Secretary’s office, where they discussed the plan to oust Raila Odinga as club patron and replace him with Eliud Owalo.
During the meeting, they shared pictures and resolved to proceed with the plan while involving branches and influential fans to prevent any negative repercussions when the announcement is made.
