An outpouring of grief as Kenya mourns KBF Chairman Paul Otula
Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) Chairman Paul Otula has died, prompting a wave of tributes from sports and government leaders. National Olympic Committee of Kenya President Paul Tergat and Deputy Chief of Staff Eliud Owalo were among those who mourned the long-serving administrator and former school principal.
Kenya is mourning the sudden passing of Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) Chairman Paul Otula, with an outpouring of tributes from across the country’s sporting, education, and leadership spheres.
National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK) President Paul Tergat described Otula’s death as a “massive blow” to both basketball and sports leadership in the country.
“Paul Otula was not only a colleague but also a committed sports administrator who gave his all to basketball and education,” Tergat said in a statement.
“His dedication to youth empowerment and sports development was evident throughout his long service. We have lost a true servant leader.”
Eliud Owalo, Deputy Chief of Staff in the Executive Office of the President (Performance and Delivery Management), expressed sorrow at the passing of a man he worked closely with for over a decade.
“It’s with deep sorrow that I have learnt of the sudden death of long-serving Kenya Basketball Federation Chairman Paul Otula,” Owalo said.
“Otula had a chequered career as a teacher of no mean repute—Principal of both Mangu High School and Maseno School - and an icon in basketball circles.
At this moment of grief, I convey my condolences to his family, relatives, friends, and both the teaching and basketball fraternity in Kenya. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
Former KBF presidential challenger Cynthia Mumbo also paid tribute, recalling their respectful engagement during the last KBF elections.
“Chairman, we spoke last week. You shared that you couldn't come to Kisumu because of some national duty.
I stood against you in the last election. We left with much respect for each other. I am beyond words,” she wrote on her socials.
The Kenya Basketball Federation itself issued a heartfelt statement acknowledging Otula’s immense impact:
"It is with immense sorrow that the Kenya Basketball Federation announces the sudden passing of our chairman, Paul Agali Otula, HSC, earlier today.
Otula was a dedicated leader, mentor, and towering figure in Kenyan basketball. His passion, vision, and service to the game and the nation will never be forgotten.
We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and the entire basketball community. Further details will be shared in due course."
He taught us to be gentlemen, think highly of ourselves, walk with our shoulders high, lead, and be all-rounded individuals. He deeply ingrained in us the Maseno School Motto: Perseverance Shall Win Through. Rest well Chief Principal Paul Otula. pic.twitter.com/QtyLoO6Owd
— Seth Jaoko (@SethJaoko_) May 1, 2025
Otula passed away on Thursday morning at his home in Nairobi after suffering cardiac arrest, according to family sources. His body has been transferred to Lee Funeral Home.
Otula was first elected KBF President in 2008 and re-elected in 2021, defeating Cynthia Mumbo in a tightly contested race. He had pledged to raise the profile of Kenyan basketball to continental standards, a mission he continued to pursue until his final days.
Beyond basketball, Otula was a respected educationist, having served as Principal at both Maseno School and Mangu High School. His leadership transformed the institutions academically and in co-curricular excellence, especially in basketball.
He also served on the executive committee of the National Olympic Committee of Kenya, following his election in 2021, broadening his contribution to national sports development.
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