No one helped Me: Otieno’s blunt message after Tusker move

Tusker FC, under the tutelage of interim head coach Charles Okere, finished fourth, even after showing hunger for the title and pushing eventual winners Kenya Police, making them have a run for their money before faltering at the tail end of the season.

To improve next season, the 13-time League Champions have gone on a signing spree in a bid to replace players who have left the club after the expiry of their contracts.

He praised the Ruaraka-based side, saying it’s an ambitious club, and it will help him achieve his dreams in his career.

“I wanted to come here because Tusker is a big club with ambitions, and I want to win the League and other titles with them,” Otieno said after sealing the move.

Otieno was loaned by Nairobi City Stars to FC Talanta in January 2025 before returning on June 30th, where he turned out for relegated ‘Simba wa Nairobi’ in two matches in a bid to evade the relegation axe, scoring once against Gor Mahia through a spot-kick.

He started playing football at Kanga High School in Rongo, Migori County. He joined Strathmore University FC, where he stayed two seasons before switching to Kirinyaga County-based Fortune Sacco, which plies its trade in the FKF National Super League, where he stayed for two and a half seasons.

The 23-year-old admits that the journey has never been easy for him.

“It’s been tough pushing yourself up to attain the best. I never had someone to take me somewhere; I had to work my way up all by myself.”

“After I was contacted, I inquired more about the club through Decha [Dennis Wanjala] because I played with him at Nairobi City Stars. I am here now, and I want to give my best and ensure that the team wins something next season.”

Otieno is one of the key additions brought in to strengthen the squad. With his talent, drive, and goal-scoring instinct from midfield, Otieno adds depth and youthful energy to Tusker’s squad. The club hopes he will be a key figure as they look to reclaim league dominance and push for silverware.

Besides Otieno, the Brewers have announced the capture of right back Eugene Ikutwa (Bidco United), striker Eric Kapaito, who returned to the club after one season with Tanzanian side Namungo FC, and winger Yakeen Muteheli (Ulinzi Stars).

Before the start of pre-season preparations, Tusker also announced the exits of John Byamukama, James Kibande, Luke Namanda, David Odoyo, Boban Zirintusa, Deogratious Ojok, Mike Oduor, Lawrence Luvanda, and Yusuf ‘Afande’ Mainge, who returned to Kenya Police FC after his loan-deal spell ended.