Gor Mahia have parted ways with their longest-serving duo, captain Philemon Otieno and Ernest Wendo, following the expiry of their contracts.Otieno joined Gor Mahia in 2017 from the defunct Ushuru FC as a defensive midfielder but was later deployed to the right-back position, where he had most of his glory days.##NAJAVA_MECA_8609857##Popularly known as Mbish, Otieno has served as the club captain since February 2022, following Kenneth Muguna’s departure—a role he fulfilled well.Most notably, Otieno twice boldly faced Gor Mahia fans who were demanding answers for the players’ poor performance. He successfully cooled down tensions, defending his teammates while also promising a change in fortune, which the fans appreciated.In January 2024, the Kenyan international’s contract, which had expired, was renewed for one year, mainly due to his leadership skills.Kalekwa praises Matano amidst Tanzanian move linksThe 32-year-old found playing time hard to come by in the last two seasons, with Kenyan international Rooney Onyango and Paul Ochuoga preferred in the right-back position.Otieno leaves the club having won, among other honors, six FKF Premier League titles.Also departing the 21-time league champions is FKF Premier League’s most decorated player, Wendo.Wendo joined the Kenyan giants in 2015 from the Thika-based side Bidco United and grew from a fringe player to an important and dependable member of the squad.Kenya Police FC defender ignites debate on clubs abandoning players while injuredThe 33-year-old leaves the club as one of only three players, alongside Gor Mahia legends George ‘Blackberry’ Odhiambo and Boniface Oluoch, to have won the FKF Premier League seven times.Both Oluoch and Odhiambo won their titles with Gor Mahia and Tusker FC, while all of Wendo’s titles came at Gor Mahia.Alongside Otieno, the soft-spoken midfielder was also summoned by fans in the 2022/23 season as a senior player to explain their poor run of form towards the end of the season. In his calm manner, he assured fans that they would reclaim the title after a two-season wait—and they did.Just like Otieno, Wendo found himself down the pecking order, with the club preferring to use Enock Morrison, Lawrence Juma, Kevin Juma, and defender Alphonce Omija ahead of the experienced midfielder.LOC Chief Musonye: Kenya ready to host CHAN, AFCON despite challenges
