Tributes continue to pour in following the sudden death of Kenya Basketball Federation Chairman Paul Otula.
Otula, a celebrated former Principal at, inter alia, Maseno and Mang’u schools, collapsed and died in his Nairobi home on Thursday morning, family sources confirmed.
His body was moved to the Lee Funeral Home.
“It is with immense sorrow that the Kenya Basketball Federation announces the sudden passing of our Chairman, Mr. Paul Agali Otula, HSC, OGW, earlier today,” KBF said in a statement on Thursday.
“Mr. Otula was a dedicated leader, mentor, and towering figure in Kenyan basketball. His passion, vision, and service to the game and the nation will never be forgotten. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, the basketball and sports community. Further details will be shared in due course,” the federation added.
Eliud Owalo, the Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of performance and delivery management in the Executive Office of the President, described Otula as “a teacher of no mean repute.”
“It’s with deep sorrow that I have learnt of the sudden death of long-serving Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) Chairman Paul Otula. Otula had a chequered career as a teacher of no mean repute; Principal of both Mangu High School and Maseno School; and an icon in basketball circles,” Owalo said.
“I have over the past decade worked closely with the late Otula in supporting various Basketball initiatives through the Eliud Owalo Foundation. At this moment of grief, I convey my condolences to his family, and relatives, friends plus both the teaching and basketball fraternity in Kenya. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
At the time of his passing, Otula was running for the position of Deputy Treasurer at the postponed National Olympic Committee of Kenya where he is an outgoing member of the executive.
“Rest easy ace basketballer of the St Peter’s Mumias High School and K.U., National Basketball Title-winning Coach at Mang’u, Maseno and Sunshine, and a two-term Kenya Basketball Federation President,” Kenya Volleyball Federation Chairman Charles Nyaberi posted.
“On the sidelines of the NOCK AGM a few days ago, we had flashbacks to his Form One days when I tried unsuccessfully to “poach” him from St Peter’s to Iten… Life is short!! Rest easy, Gentle Giant!,” Nyaberi added.
Sports medic, Dr Julius Ogeto described Otula as an academic and basketball giant.
“An academic / basketball giant who has seen through quite a number of who-is-who in Kenya during his teaching and administrative career spanning over 40 years. Really hard to believe but must accept God’s verdict! May his great soul rest in everlasting peace,” Dr Ogeto said.
Stephen arap Soi, a former National Olympic Committee of Kenya Treasurer, said Otula’s demise is a huge blow to the basketball family.
“It’s indeed a sad moment for Kenyan sport but God’s decision has no appeal and we are all candidates as we sojourn on this earth,” Soi posted.
Funeral arrangements will be announced later.
This update is generally attributed to Pura Vida’s Content team. Feel free to shared any feedback or or relevant info incase of inaccuracies.
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