Nairobi News

Former Mathare United midfielder Tedium Rodgers, renowned for his attacking prowess on the field, endured a life-changing moment in the year 2000 when he was sentenced to death following a robbery gone awry.

He was apprehended on July 4, 2000, after being involved in a break-in at a residential apartment on Thika Road. At 24, Tedium was condemned to spend the rest of his life behind bars, without the possibility of parole.

However, in a remarkable turn of events in 2019, he was granted a second chance through a presidential pardon, leading to his release from Kamiti Maximum Security Prison after an arduous 19-year imprisonment.

Tedium was one of the pioneers of the Mathare United FC as we recognize it today. Initially, he had been teammates with Victor Wanyama at JMJ Academy before joining the Mathare Youth Sports Association (MYSA), a sports-development aid organization located in the Mathare slums.

With his undeniable talent, Tedium rose through the ranks at MYSA. In 2000, his team clinched victory in the Moi Golden Cup, securing an automatic promotion to the prestigious Kenyan Premier League.

However, a few months later, a series of regrettable choices derailed his promising career, squandering millions of shillings in potential earnings and ultimately landing him in prison.

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The downfall of this gifted midfielder commenced in 1999 when a devastating knee injury sidelined him for several months, necessitating surgery. Mathare United, unable to bear his salary due to the injury, left Tedium in a precarious financial situation.

Desperate to support his family, he found himself associating with a gang of friends who coerced him into participating in a robbery in Kiambu town. Tragically, the incident escalated into a near-fatal mob attack, only halted by the timely arrival of the police.

During his time behind bars, Tedium utilized football as a rehabilitation, mentoring other inmates and sharing his fervour for the sport. He also acquired skills in tent-making, fostering a newfound passion for the craft.

After reclaiming his freedom, Tedium became a vocal advocate for youth mentorship and crime prevention. Determined to dissuade young individuals from repeating their own mistakes, he consistently emphasized the perils of crime and drug abuse.

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Sadly, Tedium met his untimely demise in a gruesome road accident in Naivasha on Sunday. The 47-year-old, who once dreamt of playing for Manchester United, was a player of immense talent and a troubled past.

In an interview, he remarked on his aspirations, “Growing up, I always loved football. I practically ate, slept, and dreamt football. I have always supported Manchester United as a young man and wished to play for the club one day. But my dreams were rendered invalid as one grave mistake landed me into the jaws of Kamiti Maximum Prison.”

The tragic road accident that claimed Tedium’s life has left the football community in shock. He had become a symbol of resilience and hope, a living testament to the power of redemption.

His journey from incarceration to freedom inspired countless individuals, and his dedication to positively impacting society was admired by all who knew him.

In a statement, Mathare United thus eulogised Tedium: “We have lost a true warrior, both on and off the field. Tedium Rodgers was a gifted footballer and a shining example of how one can turn their life around. His story touched the hearts of many, and his presence will be sorely missed.”

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