Leopards legend Patrick Shilasi laid to rest in Kakamega
AFC Leopards legends during the burial of former player Patrick Shilasi at Burimbuli village in Kakamega County on June 7, 2025.
What you need to know:
- Shilasi helped Leopards win the Kenyan League in 1982, 1983 and 1984.
- He died on May 27, 2025 at his home in Kakamega at the age of 67.
AFC Leopards legend Patrick Shilasi ‘Omar Bongo’ was given a befitting burial at the weekend in a ceremony that was attended by club legends, current players, club officials, fans and political leaders from Western Kenya.
Among those who attended the burial on Saturday at Burimbuli village, Khayega location, Kakamega County was club patron Alex Muteshi, chairman Dan Shikanda, Kakamega Senator Bonny Khalwale, Kakamega County Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda and former Shinyalu Member of Parliament, Silverse Lisamula Anami.
AFC Leopards patron Alex Muteshi addresses mourners during the burial of former player Patrick Shilasi at Burimbuli village in Kakamega County on June 7, 2025.
Anami, who is also related to Shilasi, expressed his gratitude to the Leopards fraternity for standing with the family.
“We will always remember your kindness. Thank you for making this a great day. We will forever remain obligated to support and patronize AFC Leopards everywhere, all times. Long live AFC Leopards! RIP Patrick,” Anami said.
Also present were former internationals Josephat ‘Controller’ Murila, Joe ‘JJ’ Masiga, Tony Lidonde and Washington Muhanji.
Those present paid glowing tribute to Shilasi, while describing the former left-back as one of the best footballers in the club’s golden generation of the 1980s.
A product of Kakamega High School’s famed Green Commandos, Shilasi helped Ingwe win 10 major titles.
He was scouted by the late coach Chris Makokha at the end of the 1980 league season and was immediately slotted into AFC Leopards first team.
The team won the three back-to-back (1982-1984) Cecafa Club Championships and reclaimed the title in 1997.
Shilasi also helped Leopards win the Kenyan Premier League in 1982, 1983 and 1984, along with two Moi Golden Cup titles (now Mozzart Bet Cup) in 1984 and 1985.
He also helped Ingwe reach the semi-final of the African Cup Winners’ Cup.
Leopards eliminated Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko 5-4 on penalties, before losing to Nigerian side Leventis United 2-1. The run also included victories over El-Merreikh of Sudan and FC Kalamu of Zaire, now DR Congo.
Shilasi died on May 27, 2025 at his home in Kakamega at the age of 67 after a long battle with heart complications.
Shilasi, who was known for his hard tackling and unmatched energy on the field, was nicknamed Omar Bongo for his resemblance to the late Gabonese President Omar Bongo Ondomba - both were short in stature.
Meanwhile, chairman Shikanda used the occasion to confirm to Ingwe fans that the club elections will be conducted on June 29 as planned.
"The club constitution indicates that we were a transit committee of three years, with the next office to be elected to serve for four years in conformity with the Sports Act 2013," Shikanda said.
Shikanda was reacting to reports that the Sports Registrar, Rose Wasike had postponed the polls for a year.
"Our term is only three years, and not four," he said.
Shikanda, who has led the club for six years since 2019, further called on registered club members to elect visionary leaders who will take club's fortunes a notch higher.
"To our members who are eligible to vote, let's elect people who will take the club to the next level. AFC must return to continental football as soon as possible,” Shikanda said.
The former Kenya international winger also distanced himself from claims the he is behind the delays in the elections, insisting the current office is ready to hand over club leadership on June 29.