The Kenyan basketball fraternity is in mourning following the sudden death of Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) President Paul Otula on Thursday morning.
Family sources confirmed that Otula succumbed to a cardiac arrest at his Nairobi home in the early hours of the morning. His body has since been transferred to the Lee Funeral Home.
Otula, a towering figure in the development of Kenyan basketball, was first elected KBF President in 2008 after defeating incumbent George Omondi 26-5 in a vote held at Nyayo Stadium.
He was re-elected in 2021, edging out Cynthia Mumbo 57-45 in a fiercely contested election.
In his acceptance speech, Otula vowed to elevate Kenyan basketball to continental heights, a dream he pursued with relentless passion.
Beyond the court, Otula was a distinguished academic and transformative educator.
As the long-serving Principal of Maseno School, one of the country’s premier institutions, he was revered for blending academic excellence with co-curricular development, producing well-rounded students.
Otula’s influence also extended to the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK), where he served as an executive committee member following his election in 2021.
In a heartfelt statement, KBF paid tribute to its fallen leader. "It is with immense sorrow that the Kenya Basketball Federation announces the sudden passing of our chairman, Paul Agali Otula, HSC, earlier today."
"Otula was a dedicated leader, mentor, and towering figure in Kenyan basketball. His passion, vision, and service to the game and the nation will never be forgotten."
"We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and the entire basketball community. Further details will be shared in due course. "May his soul rest in eternal peace."
Tributes have continued to pour in from across the sports world, lauding Otula's legacy as a servant leader and pioneer.
Former KBF presidential challenger Cynthia Mumbo shared her condolences. "Chairman, we spoke last week. You shared that you couldn't come to Kisumu because of some national duty."
"I stood against you in the last election. We left with much respect for each other. I am beyond words," Mumbo sharef on her socials.
