KRU Mourns Ogeto Gecheo
The Kenya Rugby Union joins the entire rugby fraternity in mourning the death of Ogeto Gecheo, a player with the Nondescripts Rugby Football Club.
OG, as he was popularly referred to, sustained a neck injury while making a tackle during his side’s Kenya Cup clash away to the Strathmore Leos in Madaraka on Saturday 3 December 2016.
He resultantly slipped a disc in his neck resulting in spinal damage and was rushed to Aga Khan University Hospital where he underwent surgery in the early hours of Sunday to insert plates on his vertebral column.
The procedure was largely successful with OG regaining sensation and motion in his upper body and was scheduled to start physiotherapy immediately on advice from the surgical team at the hospital.
He, unfortunately, developed breathing complications early Tuesday morning and was pronounced dead at 0300 hours.
His immediate family, which includes his elder brother Auka who is the club chairman at Nondescripts and the entire Kenyan rugby community are still coming to terms with the loss of a young and promising player who destined for great things.
While OG’s death is a most unfortunate incident, it is important to note that the Kenya Rugby Union gives the highest priority to player safety and indeed, Saturday’s fixture would not have been allowed to take place in the absence of the laid down safety regulations that call for the presence of a fully equipped ambulance on standby at the match venue as well as qualified match day and team medics.
In his honour, a minute of silence will be observed before kickoff across all leagues on Saturday 10 December 2016.
OG will be laid to rest at the family home in Njoro on December 13, and as plans for the burial are finalised, friends and family are meeting at the Gecheo residence in Loresho daily from 6PM.
OG’s body is at the Lee Funeral Home. Those wishing to view can do so from 10am today.
His club side Nondescripts will hold a remembrance touch rugby function at the Jamhuri ASK show grounds this Friday from 2pm open to the Kenya rugby fraternity followed by tributes from family, friends and players. The event will also double up as a fundraiser to help the family meet the send-off costs.
Additionally, Mpesa donations can be sent to the following number 0727 748290. Any amount will be appreciated.
The Kenya Rugby Union stands with the Gecheo family as well as the Nondescripts fraternity at this time.
May O.G’s soul rest in peace.
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