Kenyan football is mourning the loss of former AFC Leopards winger Ezekiel Otuoma, who tragically passed away Friday night after a valiant battle with Motor Neurone Disease (MND), an uncommon condition that affects the brain and nerves.

Otuoma, 31, was diagnosed with the disease which is caused by a problem with cells in the brain and nerves called motor neurons in 2020, that left him confined in a wheelchair.

The disease ultimately ended Otuoma’s glittering career in the Kenyan Premier League that saw him also turn out for Western Stima, Muhoroni Youth, Ulinzi Stars and Talanta FC.

His wife Racheal confirmed the heartbreaking news in a heartfelt social media post on Saturday morning, expressing deep sorrow: “You left a hole in my heart that no one else can fill. The emptiness in my arms reminds me of the love we shared. Your love was a gift and I’ll cherish it always.

“Though it was soon. That really broke my heart as you left on my birthday. It will never be the same again. You never said you were leaving or even showed a sign. I loved you dearly and in death I love you still in my heart you hold a place that only you can fill.”

She added: “It broke my heart to lose you but you didn't go alone, a part of me went with you. Till we meet again.”

Ulinzi Stars mourned Otuoma on their social media platforms.

“The Chairman and the KDF family, technical team, players, management, staff, supporters of Ulinzi Stars FC and the entire Ulinzi family express their deepest condolences to the family and friends as we mourn the loss of our former club's striker Ezekiel Otuoma,” wrote Ulinzi Stars.

AFC Leopards posted: “Ezekiel Otuoma has rested. Former AFC Leopards winger Ezekiel Otuoma "Rooney" has passed away. We pass our heartfelt condolences to his family and entire football fraternity. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”