Ailing Sonko gave Gor Mahia half a million in Lusaka trip
By Erick Ludeya
Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko is among well-wishers who came out to the rescue of cash strapped and reigning Kenyan Premier League champions Gor Mahia in their trip to Lusaka.
Despite being under treatment at the Nairobi Hospital,Sonko was able to release $5000 which loosely translates to Ksh560,000 which was given to the club’s chairman Ambrose Rachier.
Gor Mahia were stranded in Kenya before traveling to Lusaka for their CAF confederation Cup play-off against NAPSA on Saturday February 2021. Despite arriving late for the fixture,they managed a 2-2 draw but were eliminated because they lost 0-1 in Nairobi.
It is Sonko’s contribution and an intervention from former Prime Minister Raila Odinga who is also the club’s patron who made it possible for them to travel.
Calls and messages to the club’s chairman Ambrose Rachier went answered but a source at the club told The Times that the monies from the governor were well received and used to solve some of the problems they had.
” Yes we received it and used it sort some of the issues we were faced with and we really appreciate,”
One of Sonko’s aides told the Times that he had to intervene after learning of the team’s troubles through friends who visited him.
“ He has always loved football and when it comes to Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards,he will always be concerned when they are in problems and that is why he gave out what he could,” he said.
The ex-governor who is battling various political duels has previously shown his desire and passion in sports development; has helped Harambee Stars,national basketball andvollebal teams,the national Kabadii and Karate teams and many other sports teams in the country.
He also airlifted former and veteran boxing champion Conjestina Achieng from Siaya to Nairobi before heading for treatment and rehabilitation in Mombasa after it was reported that the former boxing queen was ailing.
To undergo hip replacement
According to Sonko’s personal assistant, the ex-governor has been undergoing treatment at the hospital after suffering endless stomach aches,cardiac problems and high blood pressure complications .
He also revealed to the Times that the Governor is going to undergo a hip replacement operation anytime from today.
“He still admitted and will probably be undergoing a hip replacement after repeatedly comp0lainimng of pain,”
It is not clear when he will be released but sources indicate that he has shown signs of recovering well.
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