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Kenyan football community thrown into mourning as Mathare FC founder Bob Munro dies

Kenyan football community thrown into mourning as Mathare FC founder Bob Munro dies
Bob Munro when he was honoured with the Elder of the Burning Spear (EBS) by President William Ruto on 12th December 2024. PHOTO/@WilliamsMkenya
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The Kenyan football fraternity is mourning the death of Bob Munro, the founder and chairman of Mathare United Football Club and the Mathare Youth Sports Association (MYSA).

Munro, a trailblazer in grassroots and professional football, passed away on Sunday morning, January 19, 2025, at his home in Westlands, Nairobi.

The heartbreaking news was confirmed by Mathare United CEO Jacktone Obure, who announced Munro’s passing on Sunday evening.

In a statement, Munro’s family disclosed that he had been battling respiratory complications for the past six months.

“The family of Robert Donald Munro would like to announce his death. My darling husband Bob, as he is affectionately referred to in Kenyan football circles, has been in and out of hospital for the last six months due to respiratory problems. A beloved father and grandfather, he breathed his last on Sunday, January 19, 2025, at his residence in Westlands, Nairobi. Further updates will be provided in due course,” the statement signed by his wife, Ingrid Munro, read.

A poster by Mathare United FC with a messsage from Munro’s widow Ingrid. PHOTO/@MathareFC/X

A visionary leader

Munro’s legacy is deeply rooted in transforming Kenyan football, from professionalizing the Kenyan Premier League to empowering underprivileged youth through MYSA, which he founded in 1987.

His work nurtured hundreds of players, many of whom rose to prominence on local and international stages, and cemented Mathare United as a powerhouse in Kenyan football.

In December 2024, Munro’s contributions were nationally recognized when President William Ruto awarded him the Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear (EBS) during Jamhuri Day celebrations.

The honor highlighted his relentless dedication to using football as a tool for social change and youth empowerment.

Tributes from leaders

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed hailed Munro as a true hero of Kenyan football, noting his immense influence on the sport’s growth and development.

“Bob Munro was a selfless leader who dedicated his life to the growth of the game. From championing grassroots football to professionalizing the Kenyan Premier League, his contributions have left an indelible mark. His global recognition, including the Help for Self-Help Prize (Oslo, 1999) and the Play the Game Award (Aarhus, 2015), underscores his visionary leadership,” Hussein said.

“My heartfelt condolences go to his family, friends, Mathare United, MYSA, and the entire Kenyan football community. Bob’s legacy will continue to inspire us for generations. May he rest in peace,” he added.

The FKF echoed these sentiments in a statement: “We join the football community in mourning the loss of Bob Munro, a true champion of grassroots football in Kenya. His passion for the sport and his commitment to community development will forever be remembered.”

legacy

Munro’s pioneering initiatives with MYSA used football to address pressing social issues, blending the sport with education and community service to uplift Nairobi’s Mathare slum residents.

His vision extended far beyond football, earning him international recognition and admiration.

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