Camp Toyoyo, USA – Kenya is a non-profit organization in the US that has for the last six years been organizing an annual soccer tournament which takes place in different states in the US.
The tournament was founded in the Eastlands part of Nairobi by the late Leonard Otieno Omar also known as Otti Father who volunteered and organized tournaments for the youth in the early 80s .
Otti a great mentor, brought people together – they called him “Fatha”.
The tournaments he organized are still memorable to date. The games attracted many great soccer players who later on played for top clubs in the country’s top soccer league – Super League (currently known as Kenya Premier League). Most of them also played for the national team Harrambee Stars.
Through his efforts players got the opportunity to play professionally abroad and others got scholarships to study and play outside Kenya. Many Kenyans turned up for this event from other states besides the hosting states.
The players now run free Kids soccer clinics, passing on what has become the Otti Fatha tradition from way back.
Kenyans in the diaspora who benefited from Oti Father for the last six years have been organizing tournaments home and in the diaspora to commerate him.
The first tournament took place in Kansas City Missouri in 2009. From there, it was held in the following cities: Dallas Texas in 2010, Atlanta Georgia in 2011, Memphis Tennessee 2012, then went back to Kansas City Missouri in 2013, Oklahoma City Oklahoma in 2014.
The 2015 tournament was the sixth edition before it moves to Wichita Kansas for the Camp Toyoyo 2016 tournament.
Camp Toyoyo, Minnesota 2015 was great with teams from Texas, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma and Minnesota.
Oklahoma were crowned the 2015 Champions after edging out Dallas on penalties.
The Minnesota Camp Toyoyo MN 2015 organizing committee was led by: Philip “Kadoch” Lukhachi- Chairperson, Jeremy “Jere” Ongeri – Secretary, Mohamed “Moha” Murunga – Treasurer, and Members: – Job Omundi, Naftali Kokiro, Charles “Charlo” Gitau, Emmanuel “Bobby” Ongechi and Jeffrey Chui.
Players who are currently playing or have played in these tournaments include: Allan “Alle”Odhiambo, Ochieng “Dieres” Siranga, Eric “Cantona” Ochieng, Gerald “Raldo” Origi, Mike Okoth, Chris Ojiambo, Enock Odede, Edwin Odipo, Charles Muiruri, Robert Ochan Olang, Daniel Agina, Tom “Hassler” Odhiambo, Eric “Tojo” Ongao, Phillip “Kadoch”Lukhachi, Felix “Felo” Makachia, Joseph “Adach” Osewe, Charles “Charlo” Gitau, David “Wai” Waithaka, David “Ochi” Ochieng, Benard “Benti” Airo, Oscar Juma, Godfrey ”Kodi” Miheso, Mike “Papa Kinya”Arum, Victor Khasandi, Felix “Felloh” Mbithi, Denis “Chumsy” Okumu, Lawrence Olum, Edmond Bogonko, Marvin Ochieng, Vitalis Otieno, Simeon “Simo” Ochanda, Kevin Omondi, Jeremy “jere” Ongeri, Shadrack Andenga, Keffa Taso, Agripa Nyanje, Robert “Agire” Ogunda, Kevin Dugarry, Tony Mburu, Richard Assabe, Benjamin “Capelo” Misumi, Vincent Abinya, David Kenga, Hillary “Owishe” Owino, Garvin “Gattuso”Otieno, Eric “Vancouver” Oduor, Boniface Obala, David “Dotty” Otieno, Daniel “Lion” Agina, Steve “Ondivo” Oyuga.