Former Harambee Stars footballer Joseph Odhiambo Kwanga has been detained at Kijabe Mission Hospital over a Ksh500,000 medical bill.
Speaking to NTV, his former colleagues urged Kenyans of goodwill to rally behind the former player who was vital to the national team during the 1980s.
Kwanga, popularly known as Odhiambo Gor, underwent spinal surgery in order to correct his chronic back problems as well as knee pain.
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"He is one of us and we have to be there for him. We are kindly calling on well-wishers to chip in and help us take care of our colleagues. He needs all the support right now," former Tusker player Obadiah Ndege stated.
Initially, Kwanga's former colleagues and family had raised a total of Ksh240,000 to offset the bill, leaving the current balance of Ksh500,000.
Media reports indicated that Kwanga picked up the injury during the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Egypt in 1980.
During the first leg, Harambee stars beat the Pharaohs 3-1 at Nairobi City Stadium but were eliminated after Egypt sealed a 3-0 win in the second leg (4-3 aggregate).
"I went for an aerial ball but my marker remained on the ground. I landed awkwardly on my right foot. It got frozen and the doctors came onto the pitch, had it checked, and recommended that I be substituted," he stated during a past media interview.
Kwanga ignored the pain and managed to play throughout his career before the condition worsened as the player approached his sixties.
"I need help. I'm in a lot of pain and I urgently require treatment. Please tell Kenyans I'm sick."
After seeking medical attention at Bondo Sub-County hospital, he was referred to a specialised facility for an urgent operation.
Kwanga could not raise the required Ksh1.2 million needed for India but was admitted to Kijabe Mission Hospital in Nairobi where he underwent surgery.
Well-wishers can send any amount to Kwanga on 0720895414.