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Otula eulogised as a pillar of Kenyan sports and education

The casket carrying the remains of  Kenya Basketball Federation president Paul Otula during the requiem service at Lavington SDA Church on May 21, 2025.


Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group

By  Ayumba Ayodi

Correspondent

NMG Sport

What you need to know:

  • Mutuku said Otula served Team Kenya at major events such as the 2018 and 2022 Commonwealth Games, and the 2024 Paris Olympics with unwavering zeal and commitment.
  • Indakwa said Otula’s passion for basketball dated back to their school days at St Peter’s Mumias.

The late Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) president Paul Otula has been eulogised as a great servant of sports in the country.

Speakers at the requiem mass held on Wednesday at the Lavington SDA Church, said Otula, who was also a National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) committee member, said they had lost a man who infused sports and education — a contribution that led many to embrace both disciplines.

Otula, the former principal of Mang’u High School, Maseno School, and Sunshine School, passed away on May 1 after collapsing at his home in Kitengela.

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He leaves behind two widows, Hellen Akinyi Ogada and Jackline Akinyi Owino, and eight children. He will be buried on Friday at his home in Oyombe, Karachuonyo, in Homa Bay County.

Among those who paid tribute to Otula were Fédération Internationale de Basketball (Fiba) president, Sheikh Saud Ali Al Thani, FIBA secretary general Andreas Zagklis, Eliud Owalo (Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Performance and Delivery Management in the Office of the President), Kibra MP Peter Orero, NOC-K Secretary General Francis Mutuku, and Director of Sports Jaxon Indakwa.

Also present during the service — which was attended by family members, friends, and sports personalities — were Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) chairman Sasha Mutai, Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) president Charles Nyaberi, Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) chairman Nashon Randiek, and Boxing Federation of Kenya (BFK) president Anthony Ombok.

Pastor Dan Abuya, Senior Pastor of Nairobi South SDA Church, presided over the service and shared from the books of Psalms 77:13, Jeremiah 9:20–24, and John 17:3.

“The way of God is in the sanctuary of life, and Otula’s life was minted and moulded in faith,” said Abuya.

“Your situation will too come to pass. Death spares no one, no matter who you are, and wisdom and knowledge do not save anyone from death — only someone’s faith in the Lord.”

“Kenya has lost a dedicated leader driven with passion for sports, which contributed to the development of basketball,” said Al Thani in a speech read on his behalf by KBF Secretary General Anjela Luchivya.

Luchivya said South Sudan recalled how Otula helped them assemble teams for local events, often waiving entry fees.

“We are the best team in Africa because of Otula. We made it to the Paris Olympics for the first time, and we owe it to Otula,” read a statement from South Sudan.

Owalo reflected on his memories of playing for Kenyatta University Pirates against Ex-Pirates, which featured Otula as star player.

“I was told I would be the one to mark the lanky Otula. I told my coach that I wasn’t feeling well the day before — but I still had to play,” said Owalo, prompting laughter from the packed congregation. 

He described Otula as a towering figure in basketball — a man of integrity, principle, humility, and assertiveness.

“There was a time I had secured sponsorship for my tournament, but the sponsors told us to liaise with KBF. Otula told us the sponsors should submit the funds directly to the KBF account — and they did that,” said Owalo.

“We received all the funds, and the tournament was held. That is integrity. Otula never bragged about his achievements.”

Orero, who is also the KBF treasurer, said he had known Otula for over 30 years and described him as one of the most committed and decorated coaches and administrators in the country.

“His death made me think about life and the mark one leaves behind. He ran our federation with dedication and without pride,” said Orero, recalling when his Kamkunji side stunned Otula’s Mang’u in secondary school basketball.

Mutuku said Otula served Team Kenya at major events such as the 2018 and 2022 Commonwealth Games, and the 2024 Paris Olympics with unwavering zeal and commitment.

Indakwa said Otula’s passion for basketball dated back to their school days at St Peter’s Mumias.