Owalo leads tributes to fallen Gor Mahia midfield Maestro Allan Thigo
Eliud Owalo has led the Kenyan football fraternity in mourning legendary former Gor Mahia midfielder Allan Thigo, describing him as the greatest attacking midfielder of his generation.
In a condolence message issued on Saturday, Owalo, who is also the patron of Gor Mahia and a 2027 presidential aspirant, praised Thigo’s immense contribution to Kenyan football, saying his legacy would remain etched in the history of the sport for generations.
“It is with great sorrow that I have learnt of the death of Allan Thigo, one of Gor Mahia’s and Kenya’s greatest football legends,” Owalo said.
He described the late football icon as a gifted attacking midfielder whose brilliance on the pitch earned him several nicknames, including “90-minute man”, “the midfield general”, “Ogango Wuon Pap” and “owner of the field”.
Owalo noted that Thigo was the heartbeat of Gor Mahia during his illustrious 13-year spell at the club between 1970 and 1982.
During that period, Thigo not only excelled as a player but also served as player-coach, guiding the club to an unbeaten league title in 1976 and later leading the team to the finals of the 1979 African Cup Winners’ Cup.
The former ICT Cabinet Secretary said Thigo’s achievements for both club and country placed him among Kenya’s greatest footballers.
“Thigo scored a record 88 goals for Gor Mahia and earned 86 caps for the Kenya national football team, Harambee Stars,” Owalo said.
He further described the fallen star as a player who brought beauty, entertainment and creativity to Kenyan football through his exceptional midfield play.
“Kenyan soccer has lost the greatest attacking midfielder of his generation, known for beauty, flow, entertainment — connecting players and fans and orchestrating the finest midfield play ever displayed by a Kenyan soccer team,” he added.
Owalo conveyed his condolences to Thigo’s family, relatives, friends and the wider Kenyan football fraternity.
“At this moment of grief, I lead the Gor Mahia family and the entire Kenyan soccer fraternity in honouring a soccer idol whose footprint in Kenyan soccer will be remembered for generations to come. May the Almighty rest his soul in eternal peace,” he added.
