Former Harambee Stars and Gor Mahia captain Austin Oduor Origi, also known as “Makamu,” collapsed and died at his home in Mumias, Kakamega County on the night of Tuesday, October 15.
Eliud Owalo, Deputy Chief of Staff at the Executive Office of the President, confirmed the heartbreaking incident. n his emotional tribute, Owalo remembered Origi as a towering figure in Kenyan football. He described Origi as a soccer idol and a key leader who guided Harambee Stars and Gor Mahia to glory on many occasions.
Owalo recounted his last interaction with the football star. He sharing that just three days before Origi’s death, he had welcomed him and other former Kenyan soccer internationals to his home in Gangu Village, Asembo. Owalo recalled how Origi had consistently offered advice and support in various soccer initiatives, particularly those aimed at boosting grassroots football.
“It is only three days ago that Austin and other former Kenyan Soccer Internationals paid a courtesy call on me,” Owalo wrote. He further talked of Origi’s role in conceptualizing the Gor Mahia Legends’ welfare fund, a project aimed at providing financial support to former players. Owalo called him a “guardian, brother, and role model.”
Austin Oduor Origi: A Football Legacy Rooted in Family
Austin Oduor Origi came from a family steeped in football history. His son, Arnold Origi, is renowned as Kenya’s long-serving No. 1 goalkeeper and the only Kenyan to play in Europe for over 15 years. The football legacy extends to his nephew, Divock Origi, a former Liverpool striker known for his heroics in the 2019 Champions League.
Origi’s influence also shone through his brother, Mike Okoth Origi, another giant of Kenyan football, who played for Harambee Stars in the 1990s and early 2000s. Together, the Origi family has made an indelible mark on Kenyan and global football.
Austin Origi began his football career in 1976 with Umeme FC before joining Gor Mahia in 1980. His leadership and defensive skills earned him the nickname “Makamu” (deputy) for frequently deputizing the legendary Sammy ‘Kempes’ Owino. Origi captained Gor Mahia to victory in the prestigious 1987 Africa Cup Winners’ Cup, also known as the Mandela Cup.
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Beyond Gor Mahia, Origi enjoyed a distinguished career with Kenya national team Harambee Stars. His name remains etched in Kenyan football history for his critical penalty against Malawi in the 1987 All-Africa Games. That goal propelled Kenya to the final and helped cement Origi’s reputation as a clutch player.
Condolences
Sports journalist Carol Radull extended her heartfelt condolences, stating, “Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.” Former Supersport journalist Collins Okinyo also paid his respects, sharing cherished memories of the time he spent interviewing the football legend.
Okinyo remarked, “He was a good friend that I did so many interviews with. May the legend rest in peace.”
