Africa-Press – Kenya. Kakamega Homeboyz Football Club and the Kenyan football fraternity are in shock following the untimely death of defender Silas Abungana.
The 25-year-old, who had joined the club from Shabana earlier this season, was allegedly attacked by his younger brother in a heated dispute over a parcel of family land.
In an exclusive interview, a club source confirmed the incident, revealing that the argument escalated to violence, resulting in Abungana being struck on the head with a metal bar. He was rushed to Kakamega County General Hospital but succumbed to his injuries just before midnight on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.
“It’s sad that we had to lose such a young player. He was already blending in well with the rest of the squad after joining from Shabana earlier in the season,” the source said.
“He was reportedly attacked and killed by his own sibling after a dispute over a parcel of land belonging to the family turned nasty.”
His widow, Mary Wandera, shared a moving tribute, expressing the heartbreak that has shaken their family.
“Why take an innocent life?” she wrote. “I had to be the first to tell our child the truth about their father’s death. How could anyone kill their own blood? Silas, don’t sleep. Silas, don’t go to rest. I can’t believe I am now a widow at such a young age.”
Mary continued, her grief raw and public: “The man I loved with all my heart. God, it was far too early. God, why punish me this way? Silas, it is so early, darling, so early for my husband to leave.”
She later took to her Facebook page ‘Dem wa Arsenal’ and shared a photograph of herself and Silas at the hospital, adding, “I didn’t know this would be the last photo I would ever take with you. I never imagined it would be our final moment together.”
Kakamega Homeboyz confirmed the tragic development on their official Facebook page, stating:
“Kakamega Homeboyz Football Club is deeply devastated by the untimely demise of Silas Abungana. The club can confirm that Silas passed away a few minutes before midnight on Wednesday, February 4, while receiving treatment at Kakamega County General Hospital, after succumbing to head injuries sustained during an attack on Tuesday, February 3, at night.
“During this incredibly difficult time, we respectfully request privacy for Silas’ family, teammates, friends, and club officials as we come to terms with this unimaginable loss. Rest in Peace, Silas. The club will issue further communication in due course.”
The news has reverberated throughout the Kenyan football community, with clubs expressing heartfelt condolences.
“Mathare United would like to send its condolences to Silas’s family, friends, and everyone associated with Kakamega Homeboyz FC. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Silas,” said a statement from Mathare United.
“From AFC Leopards SC, we join the football fraternity in mourning the sudden death of Kakamega Homeboyz defender Silas Abungana. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and teammates. May Almighty God comfort you and give you strength in this period. Rest in peace, Silas Abungana,” AFC Leopards added.
“Nairobi United FC is deeply saddened by the passing of Silas Abungana of Kakamega Homeboyz FC. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to his family, teammates, friends, and the entire Kakamega Homeboyz fraternity during this painful time. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” read a statement from Nairobi United.
Record champions Gor Mahia FC also mourned him: “The entire K’Ogalo fraternity extends heartfelt condolences to Kakamega Homeboyz FC and the family of Silas Abungana following Silas untimely demise. We pray for strength, peace, and comfort for his loved ones during this difficult time.”
The tragedy has been compounded by memories of Silas’ personal struggles, which surfaced in 2025 when he shared a troubling post on social media reflecting on mental health and financial strain.
“I have been going through a lot, I’ve fought like a man, but unfortunately, depression took the biggest percentage. My parents and sisters, all my accounts, please look after my child. I have nothing left one way or the other. God forgive me,” he had written.
Abungana’s football career had been promising. He joined Kakamega Homeboyz after earlier spells with Shabana and quickly became known for his defensive prowess and commitment on the field. Teammates remember him as dedicated and hardworking, blending seamlessly with the squad despite being relatively new to top-flight football.
The incident has sparked conversations about family disputes turning deadly and the mental health pressures faced by athletes. Tributes continue to pour in from fans and football insiders, many recalling Silas’ professionalism and warmth.
As the football community mourns, Kakamega Homeboyz officials have appealed for privacy as they navigate the tragedy and honour the player’s memory. The club promised further communication in the coming days to commemorate Silas’ contributions on and off the field.
The loss of Silas Abungana is a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the need for compassion, both within families and in the larger community. His brief but impactful career will be remembered by fans, teammates, and those who followed his journey with hope and admiration.
In the quiet corners of Kakamega, in stadiums across Kenya, and in the hearts of those who knew him, Silas’s presence will be felt long after this tragic night — a defender, a husband, a father, and a life taken far too soon.
