Football fans of the 1960s and 1970s were one of the luckiest in Kenya’s history.
Apart from the national team Harambee Stars putting a smile on their faces, they also got an opportunity to come face to face with some of the world’s biggest stars including West Brom midfielder Bobby Hope and the founder of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Yednekatchew Tessema.
However, the mother of all visits, came in 1976 when Brazilian superstar Pele toured the country.
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The tour did not go as planned due to disagreements between Kenneth Matiba, who was the then chairman of the defunct Kenya Football Federation (KFF), and the organisers.
Matiba boldly refused to allow Pele to play an exhibition match in Nairobi, arguing that he was not consulted about the tour.
"Those planning to put Pele in shame should know that nothing happens in the world of football when rules are not adhered to," Matiba was quoted by a local newspaper.
The late Matiba, who went on to serve as a minister in President Moi’s administration, added that he could not differentiate whether Pele came to the country as a salesman or to promote the growth of football.
British sports reporter Steve Richards worsened the situation when he told the no-nonsense Matiba that they did not consult him since he was a publicity seeker.
A few hours later, the former Kiharu Constituency legislator ensured Richards was deported to his country.
Although the organisers apologized, Matiba did not change his mind. He remained adamant that Pele would not take part in any football activity in the country.
After the Matiba incident, the organisers drafted a plan to take Pele to Mombasa, hoping they would find a bit of luck in the coastal town.
Unfortunately, they were not welcomed by the then, KFF vice chairperson Mbarak Said.
Said, who was an avid supporter of Matiba, issued a press statement stating that Pele should take his promotion business elsewhere.
“I regret to say that we won’t cancel the arranged fixture today. It is very unfortunate that the Pepsi Cola people have adopted this attitude which amounts to disappointing the wananchi, who are the main customers of Pepsi.
"If Pepsi wants to continue with the Pepsi program in Mombasa then they should arrange the program at their factory or elsewhere where Pele can sell more Pepsi Colas. As far as Mombasa is concerned, we have nothing to do with it," part of his statement was quoted by Nation.
Therefore, Pele’s tour to Kenya ended prematurely.
Years later, in his autobiography, Pele did not mention his visit to Kenya - he only narrated his experiences in Nigeria and Uganda.
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