Rest in peace John Otieno “Hatari”
Sad news yet again as another Kogallo legend. This time it is John Owiti Otieno “Hatari”. Hatari passed away in a road accident near Kericho. Not only is he a club legend, but he is one of the original players of the club, having joined at its formation in 1968. He played in central defence.
Hatari who hails from Ranjala location in Ugenya, Siaya County had been returning to Nairobi after having attended the funeral of James Sianga. Hatari was one of the key organizers for the late Sianga’s funeral arrangements.
Agonda Lukio, Mike Obonyo, Edward kiiza, Allan Thigo,
Albert Oketch, Albert Shamola, George Sunguti Reginald Asibwa
Image courtesy of Mike Jasper Obonyo
He spoke highly of his former team-mate. During the fund raising of the late Sianga at Railway club, Hatari caused prolonged laughter when he said Sianga was now involved in active football administration in heaven. He was also one of the keynote speakers at Sianga’s funeral.
Hatari was one of the original members of Gor Mahia. Along with Sianga, he started his football career in the early 1960s with Luo Union. He would then move to Kisumu Hotstars in 1967 before joining the newly formed Gor Mahia FC in 1968, again with Sianga. He stayed at Gor Mahia until late 1974 when he left to join Luo Union.
So sad especially given that he was returning from bidding his friend farewell. RIP K’Ogalo legend.
May his soul rest in peace.
This legends drop dead and we forget them just like that. Can we as a club come up with some initiatives to remember all this departed heros? e.g well organised annual memorial tournaments in places where they were born with proceeds going towards improving the welfare of the local community. surely, this we can do!
We should have a club museum to remember players and events.
Double tragedy. R I P Hatari
How sad! As a kid growing up in Nakuru I watched in awe numerous times as Hatari marshaled Gor defense against opponents in tough rugged encounters at Afraha Stadium!
This guy was as solid as a rock ! The late Siang’a was always standing tall in his signature black attire and Ouma Chege, Okeyo Kapila and John Rabuogi Ogot were running rings around opponents!
John Otieno Hatari rest in peace wuod Ugenya!