Retired Defence Forces Sergeant Major (DFSM), Warrant Officer Class One (WO1) and former Harambee Stars forward Elijah Koranga has sadly passed away.Koranga died on the evening of Wednesday 5 February at Blooms Hospital in Nakuru County.The King Has Rested. I Will See You Soon Dad. Wake Me Up When All This Ends. Don’t Worry You Raised Soldiers, We Will Handle Business. Wuod Nyakach Sir Koranga Am Heartbroken. pic.twitter.com/bK5TNasU5T— Ariel Okall (@th3doctor15) February 6, 2025 WO1 Koranga, who retired from the Kenya Defense Forces in October last year, enjoyed his earlier years as a sportsman, featuring prominently for local football sides before making it to the national level.His footballing career, which began in the late 1980s, saw him play for the then military football side Scarlet Football Club (now Ulinzi Stars), before featuring for Transcom Nakuru in 1992, where he was valued as one of the leaders in the side.Clara Koranga: In the footsteps of Koranga’s basketball greatsGiven his immense skill, Koranga, a brother to former Gor Mahia and Shabana midfielder Franzier Ochieng, was among the players that featured in the Harambee Stars squad that played at the 1992 Africa Cup of Nations in Senegal.Koranga, in his one of two FIFA caps, was involved in Kenya’s opening match against the hosts on 16 January 1992, which Harambee Stars lost 3-0.His only other cap came months earlier – 15 December 1991 – when Kenya lost 4-0 to Ivory Coast in a friendly.##NAJAVA_MECA_8684717##Outside the footballing pitches, Koranga meanwhile served for the military, having been enlisted in 1984.Among the units and capacities he served in his 40 years of service include: the 3rd Battalion Kenya Rifles (3KR), 2 Brigade, and the Kenya Military Academy.He was then appointed Army Sergeant Major and later DFSM in 2019.Notably, Koranga was father to Kenyan basketballers Ariel Okall, Felmas Koranga, and Clara Koranga.The King Has Rested. I Will See You Soon Dad. Wake Me Up When All This Ends. Don’t Worry You Raised Soldiers, We Will Handle Business. Wuod Nyakach Sir Koranga Am Heartbroken. pic.twitter.com/bK5TNasU5T— Ariel Okall (@th3doctor15) February 6, 2025 A statement from Kenya’s Secretary of Defense read: “With heavy hearts, we remember and honor the life of Warrant Officer Class One (Retired) Elijah Koranga. A devoted servant to our nation, his 40 years of servant to our nation, his 40 years of steadfast commitment and exemplary leadership touched the lives of many.”Though we mourn his passing, we celebrate the enduring legacy he leaves behind – a legacy built on courage, integrity and selfless service. His contributions to the Kenya Defense Forces and to our community will always be cherished.”Mozzart Sport extends our sincere condolences to the family.
