The Kenyan football community is in deep mourning following the sudden passing of former Harambee Stars coach Engin Fırat on Monday.
Fırat suffered a sudden heart attack at Istanbul Airport while in transit from Beirut to his hometown of Adana, Turkey.
This occurred just a month after he had taken over the reins at Lebanese side Nejmeh SC where he has been incharge of Kenyan trio of Austin Odhiambo, Teddy Akumu and Masud Juma.
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FKF president leads Kenyans in mourning Ex-Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat
Leading the nation in tribute, Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed expressed his condolences, stating, “Our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of former Harambee Stars Coach Engin Firat. His contribution to Kenyan football will be fondly remembered, may his soul find eternal peace.”
Fırat’s tenure at the helm of Harambee Stars began on September 19, 2021, and spanned over three years until his departure in December 2024.
The Football Kenya Federation honored this period in an official statement, noting;
“FKF is deeply saddened by the passing of former Harambee Stars Head Coach, Engin Fırat. Coach Fırat served Kenyan football with dedication and passion, guiding the national team with professionalism and commitment during his tenure. His contribution to the growth of the game and the development of players will always be remembered.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and the entire football fraternity during this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace.” Notably, Fırat is remembered as the last coach to secure silverware for Kenya, having led the Harambee Stars to the Four-Nations Cup trophy in Malawi in March 2024.
Gor Mahia Patron Eliud Owalo paid a personal tribute to the late coach, recognizing his role in advancing the sport Owalo remarked,
“As Patron of Gor Mahia FC and a firm believer in the transformative power of sports, I deeply appreciate the role Coach Firat played in advancing football as a platform for national pride, youth empowerment, and unity. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues in the football fraternity, and the wider global football community.”
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Sportpesa League side Mathare United mourned the untimely death of the man who led the national team during the FIFA Suspension era. The club stated on their social media platforms;
“The club would like to send its heartfelt condolences to the family of former Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat, following his untimely death on Monday. Firat led the Kenyan national men’s team between 2021 and 2024.”
Similarly, MOFA FC which is owned by Harambee Stars Captain Michael Olunga joined the nation in honoring Fırat, describing him as a steadfast friend of the local game;
“We join Kenyans and the global football fraternity in mourning the passing of former Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat. Coach Firat remained a steadfast friend of Kenyan football even beyond his tenure, and his contribution to the game will always be remembered.”
Fırat leaves behind a legacy defined by his uncompromising principle. He will be long remembered for his tough stance on player discipline and his persistent, vocal advocacy for infrastructure reforms within the Kenyan game.
