Alex Ole Magelo, the former Speaker of the Nairobi County Assembly and one-time AFC Leopards club chairman, is dead.
Kajiado governor, Joseph Ole Lenku, broke the news of Ole Magelo’s demise early Saturday morning.
Warrior of the Maa community
“It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of one of our greatest sons and warriors of our community,” Lenku said, “The late Ole Magelo died at Nairobi Hospital, where he had been for some weeks now.”
Ole Magelo’s death comes just a few days after rumours circulated on social media of his supposed death. However, Magelo’s family was forced to deny the rumours. They confirmed that he was in ICU but was well.
However, what was ailing Magelo had not been released to the public, though his wife, Lucy Magelo, confirmed he had been in hospital for two weeks.
Tributes to Ole Magelo
According to Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris, Magelo died on Friday, 7th May, at 10:10 PM.
“Godfather, gone too soon…I am sorry it took you up. Nothing could bring you down… Till we meet again, Rest in Peace, Godfather,” Esther Passaris said in her condolence message.
Former Nairobi County Assembly Speaker Alex Ole Magelo is dead. Ole Magelo passed away last night, Friday 7th. May, 2021 at 10.10 pm.
My sincere condolences to Lucy Kahia Muthoni Ole Magelo, the children and extended family and friends.
Rest in Peace, Godfather. #RIPMagelo pic.twitter.com/EDqUEGa07o
— Hon. Esther M Passaris (@EstherPassaris) May 8, 2021
Former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, described him as a ‘strong and fearless leader’.
“Kenya has lost a patriot, a football enthusiast and an official,” read part of Odinga’s statement.
In Alex Ole Magelo, the Maa have lost a strong and fearless leader who stood up for them without apologies. I have lost a steadfast and reliable friend.
Kenya has lost a patriot, a great football enthusiast and official.
May God comfort Magelo’s family and the Maa nation. pic.twitter.com/MSpeS96l6T
— Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) May 8, 2021
President Kenyatta also sent out a message of comfort to Ole Magelo’s family, terming him a ‘gentleman and a sports enthusiast’, and commended him for mentoring many young people.
1/2 President Uhuru Kenyatta has sent a message of condolence to the family, friends and relatives of former Nairobi County Speaker Alex Ole Magelo who passed away last night at a Nairobi hospital. pic.twitter.com/oM1Crx2CDC
— State House Kenya (@StateHouseKenya) May 8, 2021
From football to County Assembly
Before joining politics, Ole Magelo was the chairman of the eminent Kenyan football club, AFC Leopards, when it rejoined the Kenya topflight in 2009. Soon after leaving Leopards, he joined politics, where he served as the Nairobi County Assembly Speaker from 2013 – 2017.
He ran for the post again in 2020. However, he withdrew from the race to succeed the new Nairobi County Assembly Speaker, Beatrice Elachi, who was facing impeachment. Instead, he threw his weight behind the current Speaker, Benson Mutura.
