Police are holding one key suspect in connection with the brutal murder of Kenyan football fan, Isaac Juma.
The popular football fan, 56, was allegedly hacked to death last night by unknown people at his family home in Rukaya village, Mumias, Kakamega County.
“They killed him at around 9 pm,” said his second wife Farida Juma.
Mumias West OCPD Stephen Muoni confirmed Juma’s death, adding that one of the two key suspects has since been arrested in relation to the incident as a manhunt for the other continues.
“We may as well arraign him today depending on how fast our investigations materialises,” said Muoni, without revealing the identity of the suspect.
“He was in his house when he heard a commotion in his sheep pen. Going out together with his son and brother the two men hacked Juma to death as his son and brother narrowly escaped,” added the OCPD.
Juma’s body has since been moved to Butere Sub County Hospital.
Thte football fan left behind 10 children and two wives.
Juma relocated to his ancestral land in Mumias from Nakuru where he used to work as a newspaper vendor.
Juma was the third born in a family off four. He had a younger brother and two elder sisters.
The late football fan left behind 10 children and two wives- Christina Juma with who he had four children. Faridah has six children.
In 2011, Juma was awarded the KPL Chairman’s lifetime achievement award (KPL FOYA) for his contribution to football fanatism.
Kenyans took to social media platforms to mourn th legendary fan who customised football pitches with his dances and coloured paints on his body.
Former Sports CS Rashid Echesa, who also come from Mumias, condemned the killing, saying Juma was a great friend and innocent football fan who didn’t deserve such heinous act on his life.
“It’s with profound sorrow to be informed about the death of Mr. Isaac Juma. Kenya has lost a fantastic and most admired ultras zany in the football fraternity,” posted Echesa on his Facebook page.
Bungoma Superstars was among the first Football Clubs to mourn the late, describing him as a great entertainer who graced Kenyan football.
Go well, Kenyan legendary football fan, Juma. Your entertaining twisty dances, moves and colour-festive presence in the stands will sincerely be missed. Condolences to the family, friends and fans from all of us at Bungoma Superstars Football Club. pic.twitter.com/ANgFpUEwXn
— BungomaSuperstarsFC (@BgmSuperStarsFC) January 27, 2022
Isaac Juma was just harmless happy man. His life shouldn't have ended in such a cruel way pic.twitter.com/9br9z0hIF5
— Ole Teya (@TeyaKevin) January 27, 2022
TRANSITION
From the AFC Leopards fraternity we send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Isaac Juma
Rest In Peace Juma pic.twitter.com/sCNbgZEk3y
— AFC Leopards SC (@AFCLeopards) January 27, 2022
Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya also shared his heart-felt shock following the demise of Juma.
I have learnt with profound shock and sadness of the sudden death of Mr Isaac Juma.
Juma was a devoted and entertaining football enthusiast who graced many sporting activities in the County and entire Country.
He was number one fan of @HarambeeStars_ and @AFCLeopards pic.twitter.com/hpayan8oit
— Dr Wycliffe A. Oparanya (@GovWOparanya) January 27, 2022
Legendary sports journalist Carol Radull did not have so many words for Juma.
Isaac Juma – A legend in his own right! RIP my friend. pic.twitter.com/9rUIskHWzO
— Carol Radull (@CarolRadull) January 27, 2022