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Joe Kadenge’s dying wish to Uhuru: ‘Please meet me before I die’ – VIDEO


A frail looking Joe Kadenge has delivered an emotional statement to President Uhuru Kenyatta.

“I would like to meet you before I die.”

In a video clip doing rounds on social media, the ailing football legend also wished President Kenyatta well and asked him to “steer the country to success”.

“It seems my body doesn’t like me anymore,” Kadenge, who is considered by most as Kenya’s most exceptional talent, states in the video.

“There are people in Government that I would like to meet. First and foremost, President Uhuru Kenyatta. I would also like to meet the retired Presidents too. You remember the old men (Moi/Kibaki).”

EMOTIONAL

Kadenge then adds with an emotional touch: “I would like to say goodbye to them so that if God calls me today, I will have an opportunity to say goodbye to them”.

Born eight decades ago, Kadenge remains a household name in Kenya’s rich sporting history, especially for his exploits on the football pitch during his hey day while playing for the national football team, AFC Leopards and earlier on Maragoli United.

In the autobiography “Joe Kadenge – the life of a football legend”, BBC journalist John Nene described him as an “extraordinary player, a genius, an entertainer who weaved past defenders with relative ease, and a very fast player thanks to his sprinting talents realized during his time at Musingu High School”.

So good was he that the all too common phrase “Kadenge na mpira” was coined after him by renowned broadcaster Leonard Mambo Mbotela.

BATTLING AILMENTS

The football icon, whose two sons Francis and Oscar also played competitive football, has been in and out of hospital over the past few years battling several ailments.

Efforts on social media by among others, former Kenya international Sammy Shollei, former FKF boss Sam Nyamweya and media personalities, John Nene, Carol Radull, Elias Makori and Omulo Okoth have raised approximately half a million shillings.

The money has been channeled towards meeting Kadenge’s medical bills and upkeep. A major fundsdrive to aid the same initiative is scheduled for Nairobi on Friday.