The year was 2014 and the whole of Kenya witnessed the rebirth of a man; his name is Jaro Soja and his meeting with President Uhuru Kenyatta had just transformed his life.
Jaro is no ordinary man; he is purpose-driven and committed to sports in this country and especially his football club, Gor Mahia.
As an ardent fan of the club, he not only attended all its matches and meetings but also made Gor Mahia his lifestyle. He only donned Gor Mahia-branded attire, rode a Gor Mahia branded bike and only talked about the club. His house was also a Gor Mahia sanctuary with branded merchandise and artifacts.
[caption caption="File image of Jaro Soja presenting President Uhuru Kenyatta with a trophy after Gor Mahia won the league"]
[/caption]
He also only dreams about Kogalo, suffers a major heartbreak when the club loses and is well updated with the club’s history since its inception.
[caption caption="File image of Jaro soldier crying after Gor Mahia lost"]
[/caption]
This, of course, accrued him a lot of attention during Gor matches and beyond, becoming a notable figure in all its activities and sports banter across various media outlets.
[caption caption="File image of Jaro Soja and fans at a past match"]
[/caption]
He had become a brand and thus when Gor lifted the KPL title in 2014, President Kenyatta invited him to State House to celebrate the great victory.
They had a lengthy chat, took selfies and a few weeks later, he had landed a job at the Ministry of Sports and started the construction of his three-bedroom bungalow. His life had changed forever and at the same time set precedence for a whole new career in Kenya; the career of a sports fan.
He makes a living simply by leading fans in cheering for the team and controlling them from engaging in hooliganism.
And not only does he get paid handsomely, he gets to travel the region just to blow his vuvuzela and galvanize the team.
[caption caption="File image Jaro Soja meeting with Nairobi ex-Governor Evans Kidero"]
[/caption]
And Jaro is not the only one, there is also Juma who is always present in all Harambee Stars and Kenya Rugby team games - dancing and entertaining the crowds.
Maybe you are like Jaro and you know someone who is committed to the game and is willing to support their favourite team through thick and thin.
You should encourage or even join them and together we can all revolutionize our sports industry.
[caption caption="Jaro Soja at a past Gor Mahia match"]
[/caption]
Better still, why not introduce them to Tujiamini talent, a platform meant to entirely showcase all the dynamic talent Kenya has to offer. Not only will this accord them exposure but it might also transform their lives just like Jaro’s.
