Kenyan hockey fraternity mourns former KCA player Rodgers ‘Jiro’ Simiyu
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Reading Time: 4min | Sat. 07.03.26. | 12:17
Players, officials and friends are paying tribute to a man remembered for his dedication to the sport, and his vibrant personality both on and off the pitch
The Kenyan hockey community is mourning the death of Rodgers Simiyu, popularly known as “Jiro,” a player associated with KCA University Hockey Club, who passed away on Saturday, 28 February after a short illness.
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Simiyu, a former KCA University hockey player, died at a hospital in Eldoret where he had been undergoing treatment. His passing has sent shockwaves through the hockey fraternity, with players, officials and friends paying tribute to a man remembered for his dedication to the sport and his vibrant personality both on and off the pitch.
In a statement, the Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) extended its condolences to Simiyu’s family and the wider hockey community.
“The President of the Kenya Hockey Union, the Council, the Executive Board, and the entire hockey fraternity extend heartfelt condolences to all who knew and cherished Rogers Simiyu, also known as ‘Jiro Yumisi’,” the statement read.
“Formerly of the KCA University hockey team, Rogers succumbed at a hospital in Eldoret while undergoing treatment after a short illness. His dedication and love for the game will always be remembered by the hockey community.”
The federation added that his death represents a significant loss beyond the sport.
“His passing is a profound loss to his family and to all who knew him, both within and beyond the hockey community. During this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and loved ones. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” the statement continued.
Family members also paid emotional tribute to Simiyu, remembering him as a caring brother and a steady presence in their lives.
His elder brother, Duncan Murunga Simiyu, described him as more than just a sibling.
“Today I honor the memory of my brother, Jiro - a man who was far more than a sibling to me. He was a constant source of love, strength and quiet wisdom,” said Duncan.
“Jiro possessed a gentle heart that cared deeply for others, always ready with kindness, encouragement and a helping hand. His presence brought warmth and reassurance to those around him. In moments of joy and in times of difficulty, he stood faithfully by our side.”
He added that although the family is grappling with a painful loss, Simiyu’s character and compassion will continue to inspire them.
“Though his passing leaves a profound void in our hearts, his compassion, humility and enduring love will remain a guiding light in our lives forever,” he said.
Tributes have also poured in from members of the hockey community who played alongside him or interacted with him through the sport.
In a heartfelt tribute posted on Facebook, Elizabeth Okama remembered Simiyu as a fearless defender and a passionate advocate for those around him.
“Jiro Simiyu, son of Kimilili, Mbakalo Boys, FSK, Moi University, KCA hockey - the final whistle has come too soon,” she wrote.
Okama described him as a “ruthless defender with firm tackles and infectious vibes off the pitch,” recalling a moment that captured his character during a hockey match in Lugogo, Uganda.
“I remember Lugogo, Uganda, when your younger sister was hit while playing hockey. You did not wait for permission after the whistle. Instead, you ran past the umpire who tried to stop you. ‘This is my sister!’ You knew before the law, before the game, before politics, there is family.”
Beyond the pitch, Simiyu was also remembered for his engagement in public life and youth advocacy. Okama noted that he was vocal about youth empowerment and active in political spaces in Bungoma County.
“In Bungoma, a voice has been silenced, but the echoes of your conviction live on. A foot soldier for Baba, a DAP-K youth pillar, a believer that youths were the ‘now’. You called out, you spoke, you advocated and stood tall,” she wrote.
She concluded her tribute with a poetic reflection on the legacy he leaves behind.
“Jiro, you leave a seed in our hearts. As Kariara wrote, grass will grow. Death may have called, but it cannot stop the growth of what you planted. Grass will grow over the pitches you played on, in the courts where you argued law and over Bungoma—green, vibrant and full of life as you were.”
Simiyu’s journey in hockey took him through several institutions, including Friends School Kamusinga (FSK), Moi University and later KCA University, where he continued playing the sport he loved competing in the KHU Premier League. Known among teammates as a dependable player and a spirited teammate, he built a reputation for his competitive edge and camaraderie within the hockey community.
Friends and teammates remember him not only for his contributions on the field but also for the energy and positivity he brought to those around him.
Simiyu will be laid to rest on Saturday, 14 March at his family home in Kimilili, Bungoma County.
His death marks a painful loss for Kenyan hockey, with many in the fraternity remembering him as a passionate player whose love for the game and dedication to people will not be forgotten.