Dead-ball specialist Okoth completes dream Gor Mahia move

Dead-ball maestro David 'Kaleo' Okoth has completed a fairytale move to Gor Mahia, signing a two-year deal with the record Kenyan champions ahead of the new season.

The move comes as Gor Mahia ramp up preparations for another title charge while harbouring lofty ambitions of restoring their continental pedigree.

Okoth has traded one chapter for another, swapping Kenya Police FC red and blue hues for the famous green of Gor Mahia in a dream move that sees him commit his future to the champions until June 2028 while carrying the weight of the No.16 jersey.

"Joining Gor Mahia is a dream fulfilled. This is the biggest club in Kenya, and I want to repay the faith shown in me by helping the team win trophies. Every player dreams of wearing this jersey, and now it's my responsibility to deliver," Okoth said after completing the transfer.

The 29-year-old arrives with fire in his boots and a hunger for success, keen to make an immediate impact as Gor Mahia pursue silverware on the domestic and continental fronts.

"The expectations at Gor Mahia are always high, and that's exactly what motivates me. I want to score goals, create chances and help the club retain the league title while making a strong statement in the CAF Champions League," he said.

The landmark switch has a special emotional resonance for the winger, who sees it as the fulfilment of a dream shared with his late parents.

"This transfer means everything to me because it fulfils a dream my late parents always believed I would achieve. I wish they were here to witness this moment, but I'll honour them by giving everything for this badge every time I step onto the pitch," he added.

Okoth arrives with an impressive pedigree built through spells at Bondo United, Kakamega Homeboyz, Nzoia Sugar and Kenya Police FC, scoring 36 FKF Premier League goals while earning recognition as one of the country's most dangerous attacking players.

His thunderous left foot, blistering pace and deadly set-piece delivery have made him one of the league's standout performers. Those qualities, he says, are the result of years of discipline rather than natural talent alone.

"Power and dribbling are the strongest parts of my game. I discovered those strengths while I was still young and I've worked every day to improve them. I'm always among the first players in the gym and one of the last to leave. Swimming is also part of my routine because it strengthens my legs, and the benefits always show on match day," he explained.

Unlike many footballers whose ambitions were initially resisted at home, Okoth credits his parents, Jenipher Ouma and the late John Okoth, for supporting his football journey while ensuring he remained focused on education.

"My parents supported my football from the very beginning, but they constantly reminded me that education mattered just as much. Whenever I had free time, I'd play with friends back home and also represent my school. Those experiences shaped me into the player I became," he recalled.

His performances at Nyadhi Primary School earned him scholarship opportunities at several secondary schools. He attended St Patrick's Secondary School, Segere, before later studying at Mukumu Boys, Bujumba Boys and Ambira Boys, completing his education without his family paying tuition fees.

"My parents never spent a single shilling on my secondary school education because every school I attended offered me a scholarship. Coming from a humble background, those opportunities changed my life. I received a quality education while continuing to develop through football," he said.

After leaving school, Okoth joined Division One side Bondo United, where he finished as the league's top scorer in his debut season before earning a move to Kakamega Homeboyz following successful trials under coach Hesbon Nyabinge.

He later signed for Nzoia Sugar but returned to Homeboyz after financial challenges disrupted life at the Bungoma club, before eventually moving to Kenya Police FC.

His performances also earned him a Harambee Stars call-up in 2019 under former coach Sébastien Migné, although he narrowly missed out on the final squad.

"Getting my first Harambee Stars call-up was a dream fulfilled because it showed my efforts were being recognised. Missing the final squad was painful, but I believe another opportunity will come if I keep working hard," he said.

Now, with his boyhood dream realised, Okoth begins a new chapter determined to help Gor Mahia add more silverware to their rich history while chasing success on the continental stage.