NAIROBI, Kenya – Former Harambee Stars defender Richard “Madez” Madegwa has died, marking the loss of a veteran Kenyan football figure whose career extended from the pitch into coaching, youth development and football administration.
Madegwa died on Monday, September 28, 2026. His death was confirmed by former Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Monitoring and Evaluation Officer Wilfred Marori, who paid tribute to the former defender and highlighted his contribution to the development of Kenyan football.
“It is very sad to learn that former Harambee Stars, Tusker FC, AFC Leopards defender Richard Madegwa has passed on,” Marori said.
Marori also highlighted Madegwa’s work beyond his playing career, noting that he had remained involved in football through coaching and administration.
“He was very instrumental in bringing football reforms in Kenya,” Marori added.
Madegwa built his playing career in an era when AFC Leopards and Kenya Breweries were among the prominent clubs in Kenyan football. He started his senior career at Kenya Breweries before moving to AFC Leopards, where he became part of a successful side in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Madegwa won his first league title with AFC Leopards in 1989. He later helped the club win the Super Cup in 1991 and the Moi Golden Cup the same year before adding another league title in 1992.
He also represented Kenya at international level as a member of the Harambee Stars squad.
Madegwa’s playing career later developed into a broader involvement in Kenyan football. After retiring from active competition, he moved into coaching and technical development, taking on roles that allowed him to work with young players and national teams.
He served as an assistant coach with Kenya’s Under-17 national team and later coached the Kenya National Deaf Futsal Team. He also worked as team manager at AFC Leopards, returning to the club in an administrative and youth-development capacity.
His involvement in youth football became another significant part of his career. Madegwa co-founded KYSA International Soccer Academy with John Katana and served as its director of coaching. The academy focused on developing young footballers while using sport as a pathway for mentorship and community development.
His work within the coaching fraternity continued into his final years. Madegwa served as the organising secretary of the Kenya Federation Coaches Association (KECOFA), where he remained involved in matters affecting coaches and football development.
His contribution to Kenyan football also received government recognition. In 2024, the National Heroes Council included Khamasi Richard Madegwa among individuals listed under the Sports category in its national recognition process. The recognition reflected the breadth of his involvement in the sport, stretching beyond his years as a player.
Madegwa was also part of AFC Leopards’ institutional history. The club’s official membership records continued to list him among its members in 2025, underlining his continuing association with the club years after his playing career had ended.
News of his death has since prompted attention from members of Kenya’s football community, particularly those who worked with him during his playing, coaching and administrative years.
