Ulinzi Stars player confirmed among dead in Al-Shabaab attack
By DAVID KWALIMWAA former Kenyan Premier League player was among those killed during a recent attack by terrorists on a Kenyan military camp in Somalia.
The player, Kevin “Joabu” Ouma, was a defender of Ulinzi Stars FC, a football club run by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF). All players at the club engage in mandatory military service on a rotational basis.
Mr Ouma was deployed to Somalia to serve in the African Mission in Somalia (Amisom) where he met his death. This was his first assignment as a soldier. He had quit football following an injury in 2014.
INTENSE SPECULATION
News of his demise was confirmed on Tuesday by Ulinzi Stars FC in a tribute posted on Facebook, hours after intense speculation by football supporters.
According to the communique, the defender died during an attack on their military camp in El-Adde, Somalia, by militants from the Al-Shabaab terror group.
Here is the full tribute:
“Oush, strength fails us. We don’t even know where to start from. Our friend, our brother, our team mate, our no nonsense defender. It’s the saddest day for us. You died protecting what you left behind, you put your body in line for the peace of our motherland.
Oush, we choose not to mourn you. We cry, we wail, but deep within us, we celebrate you.
INJURY
Even after injury put your career to a halt in 2014, you were still part of us. You never missed match day, until your first call as a soldier rung you at the beginning of the year.
Baba Keith, as you look upon us from high above, know we love you and we miss you. You will always live in our hearts.
Rest in Peace Kevin ‘Joabu’ Ouma. We will never have one like you.
Till we meet again.”