Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, on Friday, September 12, 2025, bid farewell to Harambee Stars striker Ryan Ogam as he prepared to join Austrian Bundesliga side Wolfsberger AC.

The brief send-off at his Capitol Hill office brought together Ogam’s parents, Daudi Rabok Obonyo, chairman of the Starehe ODM branch, and Edith Atieno Oderah, who joined Raila in celebrating the forward’s career milestone.

A rising star

Ogam’s transfer was confirmed earlier this month by Tusker FC, his former club, which described the move as “an exciting new chapter for one of Kenya’s brightest young football talents.”

The 20-year-old striker first caught international attention with standout performances during the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), where he netted two goals, and in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, including a controversial disallowed strike against Madagascar.

Raila praised Ogam’s efforts, posting on X: “Today I’ve bid farewell to Ryan Ogam as he leaves for Austria. I congratulated Ryan on his exemplary scoring skills during the recent CHAN tournament and World Cup qualifiers. He has truly made Kenya proud on the pitch!” He further underlined the role of sports in national development, noting, “Sports is more than just a game—it’s a growing economic sector we must invest in.”

Wolfsberger’s big welcome

At Wolfsberger AC, Ogam will join a club with European pedigree, having competed in the 2019–20 UEFA Europa League group stage. Club president Dietmar Riegler welcomed the Kenyan striker, saying, “We are delighted to welcome Ryan to Wolfsberger AC. He is an exciting young striker with great potential, and we have followed his progress at Tusker FC with keen interest and his recent performance for his country with the national team, Harambee Stars.”

The club, currently sixth in the Austrian Bundesliga, has outlined its intention to integrate Ogam into its attacking unit as he adapts to European football.

Carrying Kenya’s hopes

Ogam has recently been in fine form for Harambee Stars, scoring twice in a 5-0 victory over Seychelles at Kasarani on September 9, a match where captain Michael Olunga also struck a brace. “I am eager to learn under his shadow; his positioning and finishing prowess are amazing,” Ogam said of Olunga, whom he regards as a mentor.

As he leaves for Europe, Raila’s words summed up the moment: “Wishing him all the best as he takes this next big step in his career.”