Eliud Owalo Confirmed as Gor Mahia Patron, Marking a New Chapter for K’Ogalo

Gor Mahia has officially confirmed Hon. Eliud Owalo, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Delivery and Government Efficiency at the Executive Office of the President, as the club’s patron, effective 1st November 2025. This marks the beginning of a new era for the record Kenyan champions.

Owalo had been serving in an acting capacity since October 16, following the passing of long-serving patron Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga, whose legacy is deeply intertwined with Gor Mahia’s history.

In a statement dated 9th November 2025, club chairman Ambrose Rachier announced the confirmation, stating:

“Further to the press release dated 16th October 2025 by the Club Executive regarding the notification of assumption by the then Club Deputy Patron, Hon. Eliud Owalo, FHRM, FESK, EGH, as Acting Club Patron, this is to formally notify the general public, the football fraternity in general, and Gor Mahia Football Club members in particular, as well as Gor Mahia fans at large, that the Club has confirmed the appointment of Hon. Eliud Owalo, FHRM, FESK, EGH, as the substantive Club Patron with effect from 1st November 2025.”

A Steady Rise Through the Ranks

Owalo’s journey within the Gor Mahia hierarchy has been steady and impactful. He was appointed as Deputy Patron on 16th April 2025, taking over from former Homa Bay Governor Hon. Cyprian Awiti.

During his unveiling, Owalo, a Fellow of the Institute of Human Resource Management (FIHRM), vowed to “hit the ground running.” He pledged to steer a transformation that would see Gor Mahia establish its own stadium, clubhouse, and residential facilities for players and technical staff.

True to his word, less than two weeks later, on 24th April, Owalo led a delegation of Gor Mahia’s top leadership to a 48-acre site in Lukenya to assess its suitability as the future home of a 60,000-seater fortress for the Green Army.

Commitment in Action

Since assuming leadership responsibilities, Owalo has consistently demonstrated tangible commitment to the club’s welfare. On 1st November 2025, through the Eliud Owalo Foundation, he donated tracksuits to both the women’s team and the youth side, further cementing his reputation as a patron who walks the talk.

This was not his first show of generosity. On 11th November 2023, Owalo, a long-time Gor Mahia supporter, donated a 42-seater bus to the club; still in use today; at a reported cost of KSh 23 million. Over the years, he has repeatedly come through for the club with cash donations to ease operational and logistical challenges.

Championing the Legends

Owalo’s vision extends beyond the current squad. He has been vocal about supporting former Gor Mahia legends, stating, “The legends were our pride and joy in their heyday. They should not be forgotten or neglected in retirement.”

In line with this belief, he initiated the Gor Mahia Legends Welfare Sustainability Fund in 2023 and contributed KSh 1 million as seed capital to kickstart the program, an initiative that earned him widespread respect among the club’s old guards.

Backing the Team On and Off the Pitch

Owalo’s presence has also been felt in the club’s sporting ambitions. He played a key role in helping Gor Mahia secure the signatures of several top players, including Byrne Omondi, Siraj Mohamed, Mike Kibwage, and Lewis Bandi, who have since become key figures in the team’s setup.

In 2023, amid contract renewal disputes, Owalo personally intervened to convince Austin Odhiambo to re-sign with the club—a move that proved crucial to maintaining stability in the squad.

Celebrating Success

His involvement has not gone unnoticed during Gor Mahia’s moments of triumph. After the team lifted their 21st Kenyan Premier League title, Owalo hosted a celebratory luncheon at the Carnivore grounds in Nairobi, where he donated KSh 2 million to the players through the Eliud Owalo Foundation.

Earlier that same year, he had also chipped in KSh 800,000 to help the club clear outstanding players’ allowances.

A New Chapter for the Green Army

With his confirmation as substantive patron, Owalo’s role is expected to anchor Gor Mahia’s pursuit of stability, professionalism, and infrastructural growth. For many within the K’Ogalo family, his appointment symbolizes continuity; an assurance that the legacy of community, excellence, and ambition will endure.

A new chapter begins for Gor Mahia Football Club, under a patron who is not just a leader, but a lifelong fan.