At the start of 2026, Kenyan football witnessed one of its most significant mid-season departures in recent memory: Austin Odhiambo, long celebrated as one of the Kenya Premier League’s most dynamic midfielders, officially left Gor Mahia FC to pursue a career abroad with Lebanese powerhouse Nejmeh SC.
Odhiambo’s farewell was emotional and heartfelt. In a widely shared message on social media, he described Gor Mahia as his home for three transformative years, thanking fans, teammates, and club staff for their unwavering support. He admitted that leaving wasn’t an easy decision, but one he felt was necessary for the next stage of his career.
Local media and sports pundits have been buzzing over the transfer, which was officially unveiled at a press event in Beirut. Nejmeh SC welcomed Odhiambo as their newest creative force in midfield – a Kenyan international joining the ranks alongside compatriots like Masoud Juma and Teddy Akumu. The Lebanese league, known for its tactical intensity and passionate fan bases, presents Odhiambo with a platform for greater regional exposure and the chance to compete in continental tournaments such as the AFC Cup.
For Gor Mahia, the departure marks the end of a prolific era. Odhiambo’s presence drove much of the club’s attacking creativity during his time in Nairobi, and although the side faced a tougher 2024/25 campaign – finishing without silverware – his individual brilliance remained unquestionable.
Odhiambo earned national acclaim during the 2023/24 season, where he was crowned Kenyan Premier League Most Valuable Player after scoring 12 goals and providing 13 assists – numbers that underscore his influence and consistency.
His performances weren’t limited to club football. During the 2024 CAF African Nations Championship played in Kenya, Odhiambo became a household name across the country. He scored key goals against the Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola, helping the national side’s spirited run and earning praise from fans and officials alike.
Odhiambo’s journey with the Harambee Stars hasn’t been entirely smooth. While he was at times omitted from squads – including surprise exclusion from World Cup qualifying campaigns – he has also been recalled and embraced by national team coaches who recognize his talent and leadership.
Local commentators have also weighed in on the discussions around his national team role. Questions over tactics, selection, and discipline occasionally surfaced, though team insiders and analysts generally attributed decisions like benchings to tactical needs rather than off-field issues.
Odhiambo’s departure is more than just a player leaving the league – it signals a broader shift in how Kenyan football talent is scouted and valued internationally. His move to Nejmeh underscores a growing belief that players developed in the KPL can step onto bigger stages and succeed.
For fans across Kenya, it’s also a moment of mixed emotions: pride in seeing one of their own expand his horizons, tempered with the knowledge that the local league loses a creative spark. As Odhiambo embarks on his newest journey in Beirut, supporters will be watching with anticipation – eager to see him continue to shine and represent Kenyan football abroad.
