NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenyans have been thrown into a state of mourning following the death of Mathare United founder Bob Munro.
Munro, the Mathare Youth Sports Academy founder in Kenya, passed away at his home in Westlands, Nairobi.
His wife, Ingrid, said Munro had been in and out of the hospital before his demise.
Munro was widely recognised for his significant contributions to Kenyan football and community development.
Mathare United and the Mathare Youth Sports Academy have been instrumental in nurturing football talent nationwide.
Following Munro’s demise, Y News sampled some of the tributes shared by Kenyans on X (formerly Twitter).
How Kenyans mourned Bob Munro
President William Ruto wrote:
“Bob Munro was a pillar of our sports and a firm believer in youth development. His drive to make football thrive in Kenya was extraordinary; Bob expertly spotted and nurtured talents and brought sanity to the game.”
James Wokabi said:
“An icon has rested. Bob Munro was a colossus that bestrode Kenyan football. The impact of his selflessness has left a lasting imprint in the sport.”
Amason Kingi opined:
“I join our football fraternity in mourning the passing of Mathare United founder Bob Munro. Mr. Munro is credited with transforming Mathare United from a low-tier team to a soccer powerhouse in Kenya & for inspiring many of our boys & girls to take up football as a career. RIP.”
Cevin Owuor also opined:
“Dandora Stadium should be renamed to Bob Munro Memorial Stadium. We should also have a stand in Kasarani named after him. Those useless pictures of Sakaja and his dimples should be replaced with those of Munro and other national legends.”
Katami Michelle wrote:
“Kenyan football has lost a true trailblazer in Bob Munro. As the founder of MYSA & Mathare United, Bob contributed tremendously to the league’s development. He changed the lives of many youths through football as a tool for societal change & professional growth. RIP Bob.”
Sports Journalists—Kenya 
said:
The passing of MYSA founder Robert Munro saddens the SJAK family. His contribution to Kenyan football is unmatched, as almost 60% of former and current footballers passed through his initiative. The Kenya sports fraternity will greatly miss him. RIP Bob.”
Question of the day:What is your tribute to Mathare United founder Bob Munro who passed away on Sunday?#SportyMonday @Wycliffeorandi
Y News understands that on December 12, 2024, during Jamhuri Day celebrations, President Ruto honoured Munro with the Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear (EBS) at State House, Nairobi, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to sports and community development in Kenya.
