By Munale Joram
Former Mathare FC goalkeeper Eric Wafula, popularly known as ‘Jagoal’, was tragically killed in a mob justice incident over the weekend in Pangani, Nairobi.
Wafula, once hailed as a rising star in Kenyan football for his acrobatic saves and strong presence between the posts, met a violent end after he and an unidentified friend were allegedly caught snatching a phone from a member of the public.
According to eyewitnesses, the two men were chased down by an angry crowd shortly after the alleged incident. The situation escalated quickly, turning into a brutal mob attack that claimed both their lives before authorities could intervene.
Their bodies were later taken to Nairobi funeral homes as investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident continue.
Football Community in Mourning
The news of Wafula’s death has sent shockwaves through Kenya’s football fraternity. Mathare FC, the club where Wafula made his name as a promising young goalkeeper, issued a heartfelt statement mourning his death.
“We are saddened by the passing of our former goalkeeper Eric Wafula. Shine on your way, Jagoal. Rest in peace,” the club said in a statement posted on its official platforms.
Wafula, who had once been tipped for national team duty, was known for his dedication and on-field brilliance. His fall from grace and tragic end has sparked a broader conversation about the struggles athletes face after exiting professional sports, especially without strong support systems.
Mob Justice Under Scrutiny
The incident has reignited concerns over the growing number of mob justice killings in urban areas, with rights groups calling for restraint and lawful channels of justice.
“Regardless of the allegations, no one deserves to die in the streets without due process,” said a human rights advocate in Nairobi. “We must end this culture of vigilante violence and strengthen trust in the justice system.”
Police have launched an investigation into the incident, but no arrests have been made so far.
As tributes pour in for Wafula, questions remain over what led the once-promising footballer down a path that ended so tragically. For now, Kenya mourns the loss of a life full of potential—cut short in the most brutal way.
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