The untimely death of Kenyan footballer Ezekiel Otuoma has left the nation in shock and mourning. Despite having lived with Motor Neuron Disease (MND) for years, his passing came as a devastating surprise to many. To compound the tragedy, Otuoma died on the very day his wife, Rachael Otuoma, was celebrating her birthday.
Who Was Ezekiel Otuoma?
Born in Ramula, Gem, Ezekiel Otuoma was a celebrated footballer who played for renowned Kenyan teams, including AFC Leopards, Western Stima, Ulinzi Stars, and Muhoroni Youth, among others. He married his wife Rachael in a beautiful white wedding ceremony in May 2015, and the couple shared a bond that remained strong despite the challenges brought on by his illness. The couple did not have children, a situation influenced by Otuoma’s battle with MND.
The Journey with Motor Neuron Disease
Otuoma’s struggle with MND began in 2020. In a heartfelt interview with Lynn Ngugi, Rachael revealed that her husband’s symptoms initially appeared harmless. “Otuoma started getting sick, like the flu. We gave him homemade concoctions, but his voice kept going away, and his speech became slurred,” she shared. A teammate eventually suggested seeking medical advice, which led them to a neurologist. After thorough tests, Otuoma was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease.
Hoping for a different outcome, the family sought a second opinion in India. Unfortunately, the diagnosis remained unchanged. Desperate for answers, they explored spiritual avenues, visiting various pastors and even traveling to Kampala. “Some pastors alleged that Otuoma’s teammates had worked against him, while others suggested family members were responsible for his condition,” Rachael recounted. However, they eventually accepted his diagnosis and focused on providing him with care and support.
A Wife’s Unwavering Devotion
Rachael’s dedication to her husband during his illness was both inspiring and heartrending. Reflecting on her experiences, she admitted, “My life has never been the same since he got sick. I am never at peace. He can’t speak, feed, talk, or do anything for himself. It has not been easy on him either.”
When asked why she stayed by his side, despite advice from friends to leave, Rachael’s response was resolute. “Friends have told me to leave him, saying that if the roles were reversed, Otuoma would have deserted me. Even if he ever gets well and changes, I will have done my part. He treated me well, and I will hang around.”
A Heartbreaking Farewell
On Friday, December 20th, Rachael took to her TikTok account to announce the tragic news of her husband’s passing. In a poignant tribute, she wrote:
“To my husband, 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. However, it was so soon that broke my heart. You left on my birthday, and it will never be the same again 💔. You never said you were leaving or even showed a sign; you never said goodbye 😭. In life, I loved you dearly; in death, I love you still. In my heart, you hold a place that only you can fill. It broke my heart to lose you, but you didn’t go alone. A part of me went with you 😭. Till we meet again.”
Ezekiel Otuoma’s legacy as a talented footballer and a loving husband will live on in the hearts of those who knew and admired him. His battle with MND and the unwavering support of his wife, Rachael, serve as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
