Political Leader’s Tributes To The Late Football Legend Joe Kadenge

Kenya’s football legend Joe Kadenge is dead.

According to the family, Kadenge, who has been ailing for quite a while, passed away on Sunday while undergoing treatment at Meridian hospital in Nairobi.

The 84 year old succumbed to his constant illness.

Kadenge’s once robust fame had been turned into a pale shadow of constant illness.

Joe, the Former Kenyan winger who tortures defenders manning him during his hey days.

In January 2006, Joe suffered stroke.

Joe condition worsened as days passed. He collapsed at Camp Toyoyo grounds in Jericho, Nairobi, while watching a football match on December 23.

President Uhuru Kenyatta expressed his condolences, terming Kadenge’s death as “a loss to the sporting fraternity and our nation.”

“It is with profound sadness that I have learnt of the demise of Mzee Joe Kadenge. His death is a loss to the sporting fraternity and our nation. Joe exemplified talent, dedication and patriotism. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this time,” said President Kenyatta.

The President posted his condolences via the official twitter account of the State House of Kenya,

"It is with profound sadness that I have learnt of the demise of Mzee Joe Kadenge. His death is a loss to the sporting fraternity and our nation. Joe exemplified talent, dedication and patriotism. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this time." ~ H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta

— State House Kenya (@StateHouseKenya) July 7, 2019

Deputy President William Ruto also sent his condolences saying “Kadenge was a wonderful man, on and off the pitch; approachable, gentlemanly, courteous and a role model. May his soul rest in peace.”

“Condolences to the family and friends of football legend Joe Kadenge. At his prime, Kadenge was unplayable; he terrorised defenders with dribbles, nutmegs and was a joy to watch. He raised a family of great footballers: Francis, Evans, Rogers and Oscar, who excelled in the sport,” reads Ruto’s tweet.

Condolences to the family and friends of football legend Joe Kadenge. At his prime, Kadenge was unplayable; he terrorised defenders with dribbles, nutmegs and was a joy to watch. He raised a family of great footballers: Francis, Evans, Rogers and Oscar, who excelled in the sport.

— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) July 7, 2019

Opposition chief Raila Odinga has also mourned also Kenya’s best ever known winger Kadenge.

“We have today lost one of the greatest talents to ever grace a football pitch in our national uniform. Joe Kadenge was a true ambassador for the country and Kenyan soccer. May he rest in eternal bliss. May his spirit inspire more young people to pursue the game,” reads Raila’s tweet.

We have today lost one of the greatest talents to ever grace a football pitch in our national uniform. Joe Kadenge was a true ambassador for the country and Kenyan soccer. May he rest in eternal bliss. May his spirit inspire more young people to pursue the game. pic.twitter.com/5CNT2m7mf5

— Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) July 7, 2019

ANC Party Leader Musalia Mudavadi said was the most legendary of Kenyan footballers and shall be remembered for his exploits on the pitch

As I fellowship at Kitengela SDA Church, it's with great sadness that I've learnt of Joe Kadenge's death. He was perhaps the most legendary of Kenyan footballers & shall be remembered for his exploits on the pitch. My sincere condolences to his family, friends & all he mentored. pic.twitter.com/MxakLQoajy

— Musalia W Mudavadi (@MusaliaMudavadi) July 7, 2019

Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula has also sent his condolences to Joe’s family.

“The curtain has fallen on our football legend Joe Kadenge. His football artistry equaled modern day Thierry Henry, Christian Ronaldo, George Weah, Samuel Etoo etc. We must have a proper policy for the welfare of our sports heroes/heroines. RIP Joe.”

The curtain has fallen on our football legend Joe Kadenge. His football artistry equalled modern day Thierry Henry, Christian Ronaldo, George Weah, Samuel Etoo etc. We must have a proper policy for the welfare of our sports heroes/heroines. RIP Joe.

— Sen.Moses Wetang'ula (@Wetangulam) July 7, 2019

Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho also sent his condolences to Joe’s family saying Kenyans will miss him because he was part of Our rich football history.

I join the family, friends and Kenyans at large in mourning a legendary footballer, the late Joseph Kadenge who passed on today.

As kenyans, we will surely miss Joe, a man who has been part of our rich football history. pic.twitter.com/9DwV4sXmvV

— Governor Hassan Joho (@HassanAliJoho) July 7, 2019

Sports CS Amina Mohamed had this to say about Joe, “We celebrate Mr. Joe Kadenge as an enviable part of Kenya’s identity and aspire to keep his ever present spirit in the soul of our sporting nation. May the Almighty grant him eternal rest and fortify his family to bear this loss”

I join fellow Kenyans in mourning the legendary Kenyan footballer Mr. Joe Kadenge who passed away this morning. Mr. Kadenge emerged as a national star in the 1950’s when he debuted in the Kenyan Premier League inspiring a generation of footballers & enthusiasts countrywide.

— AMB.(Dr.) Amina C. Mohamed (@AMB_A_Mohammed) July 7, 2019

Nairobi governor, Mike Sonko also joined the political fraternity in mourning and sending sincere condolences to the the family of the late Kadenge

Condolences to the family and friends of Kenyan football legend, Joe Kadenge who was one of our greatest ever footballer. May God comfort his family at this difficult moment. May his soul Rest in Peace. pic.twitter.com/L56iyyrB9u

— Mike Sonko (@MikeSonko) July 7, 2019