Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has expressed his condolences following the passing of former AFC Leopards striker Ezekiel Otuoma.
Sharing his message of sympathy through a statement on his official X account on Saturday, December 21, 2024, Omtatah described Otuoma as an inspiration to many, highlighting the impact the footballer had on the sport and the youth.
“It is with deep sorrow that I extend my heartfelt condolences to Rachael Otuoma, the family, and friends on the passing of Ezekiel Otuoma. Ezekiel’s contribution to football was not just a testament to his skill but a source of inspiration to many young people, serving as a role model for those aspiring to excel in sports,” Omtatah expressed.
The senator acknowledged the profound loss and prayed for comfort for the bereaved family.
“As we mourn this profound loss, I pray that God grants you strength and comfort during this difficult time. May Ezekiel’s soul rest in eternal peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire generations to come. With deepest sympathy,” Omtatah concluded.
It is with deep sorrow that I extend my heartfelt condolences to Rachael Otuoma, the Family and friends on the passing of Ezekiel Otuoma. Ezekiel’s contribution to football was not just a testament to his skill but a source of inspiration to many young people, serving as a role… pic.twitter.com/J1kqcAN7H9
— Okiya Omtatah Okoiti (@OkiyaOmtatah) December 21, 2024
Otuoma, who had been battling motor neurone disease for several years, succumbed to the illness on Friday, December 20, 2024.
Otuoma’s wife
Otuoma tragically passed away just hours after his wife, Racheal, celebrated her birthday.
In a heartwarming yet bittersweet moment captured on video, Racheal, whose birthday was on Friday night, December 20, 2024, made a wish for her husband’s recovery.
“I just want to make a wish before nipulize (I blow off the candle). I want to make a wish. My wish is to see my hubby on his feet again. I just wish that God atu grand tu hiyo healing. That is the only wish I’m praying for—healing for my hubby,” Racheal expressed.
Her elaborate birthday celebration, which was broadcast live on TikTok, took a sorrowful turn the following day when she shared the news of Otuoma’s passing.
On Saturday, December 21, 2024, Racheal took to TikTok to announce her husband’s death with an emotional tribute.
“To my Husband. You left a hole in my heart that no one else can fill. The emptiness in my arms reminds me of the love we shared. Your love was a gift, and I’ll cherish it always. It will never be the same without you by my side,” she wrote.
Adding;
“Though it was so soon, that really broke my heart. You left on my birthday—it will never be the same again. You never said I was leaving or even showed a sigh. You never said goodbye. In life, I loved you dearly; in death, I love you still. In my heart, you hold a place that only you can fill. It broke my heart to lose you, but you didn’t go alone—a part of me went with you. Meet again.”