Division Two outfit Marafiki FC presented former Prime Minister and Gor Mahia patron Raila Odinga with a jersey during his visit to Nyeri on Friday 2 July.Raila joined the family of former Thika mayor Mumbi Ngaru to pay the last respect for their mother Esther Ngonyo in Nyeri and was accompanied by Kieni MP Kanini Kega.After the burial, Raila was presented with a Marafiki FC jersey at the home of Kanini Kega as he blessed their wishes of one day gracing the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL).“I met Marafiki FC team members who play Divison 2 football and they presented me with one of their club’s jerseys at the home of Hon. Kanini Kega. “It would be great to one day see them ply their trade in the national league. Asanteni na kila la kheri (Thank you and all the best),” wrote Raila on his social media platforms.I met Marafiki FC team members who play Divison 2 football and they presented me with one of their club’s jerseys at the home of Hon. Kanini Kega. It would be great to one day see them ply their trade in the national league. Asanteni na kila la kheri. pic.twitter.com/rrsxkpM9f6— Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) July 2, 2021 Marafiki FC was established back in 2018 when a group of friends who frequently visited bars to watch games opted to come together to play in a bid to improve their fitness.With their games packed to the rafters, their goal quickly shifted as they offered the youth a platform to play football as they nurtured and funded the youth in the area to showcase their talent.Marafiki FC have a fierce local derby against Rware FC dubbed the Nyeri Derby that attracts huge maltitude of fans with Marafiki emerging victorious back in January. The derby was also attended by Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga and Nyeri Town MP Ngunjiri Wambugu with the club spreading its roots deep in the county. The club suffered elimination in the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Cup at the hands of Tusker in the Round of 32 despite taking a surprise early lead but goals from Sammy Meja, an own goal, Henry Meja and Rodgers Aloro saw the 2016 league champions cruise to victory.
