Gecheo picked up a spinal injury after a tackle and was stretchered into a waiting ambulance straight to hospital where he underwent surgery on Monday
NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 6 – The rugby fraternity in Kenya was thrown into mourning on Tuesday morning with the news of the demise of Nondescripts RFC centre Ogeto Gecheo at a Nairobi hospital where he was recuperating after suffering a freak injury during the club’s Kenya Cup fixture against Strathmore Leos on Saturday.
Gecheo, a starter in Nondies’ 43-10 loss to the Leos at their home-ground in Madaraka picked up a spinal injury after a tackle and was stretchered into a waiting ambulance straight to hospital where he underwent surgery on Monday.
The 20-year old, also younger brother to Nondies’ chair Auka Gacheo who is the Supersport East Africa General Manager had plates affixed on his vertebral column but unfortunately lost the battle in the wee hours of Tuesday morning.
“It is a huge loss for us as a club and a very difficult time to lose such a budding great player. He was a very mature person despite his age and when he spoke, he commanded audience. It was his first year at Nondies and had done really well,” head coach Christian Josiah told Capital Sport.
On the circumstances that led to his death, he said; “He successfully underwent surgery yesterday (Monday) and was in high spirits. We talked, was very cheerful and was even looking forward to the rehabilitation period. Unfortunately this morning (Tuesday), he developed breathing problems and passed on.”
He added that the death of the University of Nairobi first year Computer Science student has hit them hard, admitting the whole Nondies fraternity is put aback by the loss.
“We have to be with the family at this moment. It is tough for them,” Josiah added.
The rugby fraternity took to social media to express their grief at the sudden loss.
“Resolution Impala Saracens fraternity has learnt of the unfortunate demise of Ogeto Gecheo, former Impala Academy Captain. Ogeto who had transferred to Nondescripts RFC always showed great leadership promise. His input was always felt. We’ll miss him dearly,” his former club tweeted on their official handle.
“Our prayers and thoughts are with the @nondescriptsrugby family following the untimely demise of outside centre Ogeto Gecheo. Ogeto succumbed to an injury sustained during the Strathmore Leos v Nondies over the weekend. May he rest in eternal peace. #RIPOgeto,” Mwamba RFC posted on their Instagram account.
Another Kenya Cup side, Kenya Harlequins tweeted; “Very sad day in Kenya Rugby, our condolences @Nondies and @AukaGecheo and family. RIP OG until we meet again.”
Capital FM sends its heartfelt condolences to his family and Nondies as a whole following the untimely demise. May his soul Rest in Peace.
