Ex-Harambee Stars forward and KDF veteran Elijah Koranga dies
Former Harambee Stars forward and decorated Kenya Defence Forces officer, Elijah Koranga, passed away after a short illness. The retired Sergeant Major, who had a distinguished career in both football and the military, leaves behind a lasting legacy.
Former Harambee Stars forward and retired Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officer Sergeant Major WO1 Elijah Koranga passed away on Wednesday after a short illness.
Koranga played for Scarlet, KTM, Kisumu Posta, and Transcom. He also represented Kenya at the 1992 African Cup of Nations, making one substitute appearance in Harambee Stars' 3-0 loss to hosts Senegal.
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His military career spanned four decades. Koranga enlisted in the KDF in 1984 and rose through the ranks from Private to Warrant Officer 1, serving in various units including the 3rd Battalion Kenya Rifles (3KR), 2 Brigade, and the Kenya Military Academy. In 2019, he was promoted to Army Sergeant Major (Warrant Officer 1) and later the same year, he was elevated to Defence Forces Sergeant Major—a role he held until retirement in October 2023.
Upon his retirement, the KDF honoured him with a farewell ceremony on October 4, 2023, at Defence Headquarters, Nairobi. Chief of Defence Forces General Charles Kahariri praised Koranga for his amiable personality and success across military service, sports, and family life, highlighting his role as a source of encouragement, motivation, and sound counsel within the KDF.
Koranga's legacy lives on through his children, who have excelled in basketball. Ariel Okal plays for Nairobi City Thunder, Felmas Koranga represents Troy Trojans in the US, and Emmanuel Ochieng previously featured for Ulinzi Warriors.
His solemness during the State funeral of the late CDF General Francis Ogolla in April last year captured national attention, a testament to his dedication and discipline as a military officer.
Koranga’s sudden passing comes just four months after retiring from the KDF, marking the end of a distinguished career both in sports and military service.
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