Abbas Magongo kin plead for help

The family of the late Abbas Khamis Magongo will Tuesday hold prayers in remembrance of the fallen legend at the Kariokor Muslim Cemetery in Nairobi.

The service, which will start at 10am and will be led by Sheikh Abdul Aziz from Kibra, will be conducted in line with Islamic traditions at the grave side of Magongo and his wife Amina.

Speaking to Nation Sport, Magongo’s firstborn Elizabeth Mulisya sent a passionate appeal to President Uhuru Kenyatta, opposition leader Raila Odinga, Football Kenya Federation president Nick Mwendwa and the football fraternity to attend.

“Everybody should feel free to attend. We urge Raila, who was his big fan and boss at work, to tag President Uhuru along. Nick should also lead the football fraternity in celebrating a legend,” said Elizabeth.

Mulisya also called on the government to set up a kitty to support the families of fallen sports heroes adding that it would be a good way to honour the legends.

“When my father died I was left with a very heavy burden of taking care of 11 children. When he was alive we never used to lack but there we were left to cater for ourselves. I thank God we managed though it’s been tough,” offered Elizabeth while also thanking her uncle Tom David Malive and his wife Khadija Swaleh for supporting the orphaned family.

“Abbas was not just a small person. When he was red carded in Cairo, the whole team refused to play. It shows you how important he was to Gor Mahia.

"He dedicated his life to football and brought fame to Kenya and as family we plead for government support,” she added.

A qualified massage therapist and fitness trainer, Elizabeth is optimistic that Gor Mahia will consider her for a job in the team as a way of giving back to the family.

“It’s a field that I am well trained in so why not? It will be an honour not only for me but the family as well. Whatever kind of support we receive we will gladly welcome it - from the government, Gor Mahia or well-wishers,” she said.