Football is a great game that soothes the souls of many. It is loved across social strata but it has more meaning in ghettos like Kibera and Kangemi.
The value of football in these regions goes beyond entertainment. It shields the youths against crime, is a unifying factor and partially a source of income.
However, there are several young men and women who have been gunned down despite being hood heroes, thanks to their skills on the pitch.
Kangemi and Kibera have suffered most and here are some of the fallen heroes.
1. Leftie
The year 2005 saw Kibera miss a super footballer nicknamed Leftie. He was felled alongside his accomplices off Ngong Road after allegedly trying to hijack a public service bus.
2. Odando
Kangemi was hit hard after a police bullet killed a 20-year-old promising defender attached to Kangemi AllStars. It was alleged that he was a master of break-ins but his mission in Kitale was the last one on earth.
3. Issa
The potential pride of Kangemi never lived to test the fruits of football. He was cornered in Westlands while on an alleged robbery mission and that was his last day alive. The midfielder died too soon to gauge his talent at a mature level.
The list is long. Our talented brothers and sisters are dying day and night. What is the cause?
Should we blame poor pay or pathetic parenting? Do they lack role models or is peer pressure too much to control?