Dennis Oliech Is Still Kenya’s Undisputed Hero, Here’s Why

Dennis Oguta Oliech is undoubtedly Kenya’s greatest striker to ever set foot on a football pitch. He is Kenya’s all time leading goalscorer and the first Kenyan to play at the UEFA Champions league with former Ligue 1 club AJ Auxerre.

Oliech has since retired from International Football. Announcing his retirement, Oliech or “The Menace” as he was well known said that he felt his contributions were not appreciated by football stakeholders in the country.

His retirement from football started raising eyebrows with many claiming that the once prolific striker is now languishing in poverty. His Family was quick to refute these allegations.

Oliech, who is currently part of the Nairobi County Sports Board has previously had stints at betting firm Betway, Mastercard among others.

Kenya’s game Vs. Ethiopia raised even more eyebrows with many football lovers quick to rebuke the fact that Dennis was not allowed to access the VIP Section. Pictures emerged online of Oliech queuing just like other Kenyans but the Jaza Stadi team that is led by among others Carol Radul has come out to clear the air. Jaza Stadi has confirmed that the “Menace” was allowed access to the VVIP Section as he was also part of Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko’s entourage.

“Dennis Oliech was accorded VVIP seating at Kasarani yesterday as Kenya took on Ethiopia in the AFCON qualifier played at Kasarani contrary to reports doing the rounds that he wasn’t recognized. He was part of Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko’s entourage#JazaStadi,” tweeted the Jaza Stadi group.

One Anonymous post that is doing rounds on Social Media seem to have gave a complete definition of who Dennis Oliech was.

“On Dennis Oliech. I have seen all the funny comments about the man being broke and all that. Who remembers the day Dennis the Menace having scored two goals for Harambee Stars against Zimbabwe, then goalkeeper Arnold Origi (cousin to Divorck Origi) broke his leg and Oliech wore Origi’s uniform, sat in goal for the last five minutes making serious saves? Who remembers Oliech taking his cancer struck mother to France for treatment using some 123 million shillings? Who remembers the day the government cried broke and Oliech paid the return air tickets and accommodation for the 32 member team to play out of the country? Who remembers that Qatar offered Oliech 200 million shillings to change citizenship but Dess said his loyalty is to the Kenyan flag?” Read the Post.

Dennis Oliech will always be remembered for being a true patriot and great sportsman for this great Nation of Kenya. It is high time the government started honoring and recognizing people who brought glory to the Nation and Oliech is one of them.

 

 

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