Former Harambee Stars forward Mike Baraza opens up on challenges from dad’s death that forced him to shelve career

Former forward Mike Baraza was once a household name in Kenyan football, having left marks at teams like and the national team.

He also featured extensively for clubs abroad in countries like Malaysia, Vietnam and Tanzania, where he cemented heroic statuses  at bothand

However, Baraza’s football journey took an unexpected turn, forcing him into an early exit from the game. 

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Unlike many players who retire due to injuries or age, his departure was driven by personal tragedy. The passing of his father, Sammy Nyongesa, in 2017 was a devastating blow that reshaped his life and career.

Forced to prematurely retire from football

Sammy Nyongesa, a former Harambee Stars coach and an influential figure in Kenyan football, had been battling prostate cancer for years. As his condition worsened, Baraza made the difficult decision to put his career on hold to take care of him.

«The years 2017-2019 were quite overwhelming for me. I had to put my career on hold to be with my father during his final days. He was my mentor, my guide, and the driving force behind my career,” Baraza shared with the

Nyongesa’s impact stretched far beyond his family. Through the Nakuru Youth Olympic Center, he nurtured countless footballers, shaping the future of Kenyan football. His death left a void in the game and in his son’s life.

Baraza admits that stepping away from professional football was challenging.

«Football is a social game and it is something I grew up with, but now, starting everything from scratch has not been easy. It’s a different world when you are no longer on the pitch, and the transition has been difficult,” he noted.

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Despite the hardships, Baraza has found renewed purpose and is eager to return to football, not as a player but as a mentor to the next generation.

«I am mentally okay now, and I want to come back to football. I am grateful for the support from KEFWA Union, and I am ready to give back to the game that gave me everything. Football is unfinished business for me, and I want to help mold the future stars of Kenya.»

Memories from Baraza’s playing days & forged friendships

Reflecting on his playing days, Baraza recalls the camaraderie he shared with fellow footballers, especially former Harambee Stars goalkeeper Mathews Ottamax.

«It was heartwarming to reconnect with old friends from my playing days, such as KEFWA president Situma James and Mathews Ottamax, Kenya’s number one. Ottamax is a great guy with a big heart and meeting him again after so many years was truly special.

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«He is an open book to many, always full of joy and fun. I remember knowing Ottamax back in the ’90s, he was a jack of all trades, excelling in basketball, rugby, football, and more. It’s that versatility and positive energy that has made him a beloved figure in Kenyan sports.»

One of Baraza’s most cherished moments with the national team came in 2011, when he scored his first goal for Harambee Stars in a match against Guinea-Bissau at Nyayo National Stadium.

«That was a special moment, scoring for my country was a dream come true. The fans were behind us, and the goal felt like a testament to all the hard work I had put into my career. It was a huge honor to represent Kenya, and that goal is one I’ll never forget.»

The match saw Kenya secure a 2-1 victory, w

At club level, Baraza’s time with Ulinzi Stars was filled with both triumphs and heartbreaks. One of the most painful moments came during the CECAFA Club Championship, where Ulinzi faced Mtibwa Sugar in the semi-finals. 

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Leading 2-0, the Kenyan side saw their opponents rally to equalize. Baraza had the opportunity to win the match in the dying minutes but missed a decisive penalty.

«As the match progressed, we found ourselves with a penalty in the last minute. I was tasked with taking it, and I was determined to score and help my team reach the final. But unfortunately, I missed it.

“ Ivo Mapunda, the Mtibwa Sugar goalkeeper, saved it, and in a twist of fate, he started a counterattack that led to us conceding a goal. We lost the match, and I felt responsible for the defeat.»

The pain of that miss was overwhelming, leading Baraza to momentarily distance himself from the team.

«I didn’t go back to camp,» he admits. «I ended up in Mwanza, where I spent the night at a club, trying to process everything. The next day, I was found by police.»

Despite the challenges he has faced, Baraza remains committed to the game. He believes that football has given him invaluable experiences, and now, he wants to pass on his knowledge to younger players.

With his return to the sport, he hopes to contribute to Kenyan football’s growth, mentoring upcoming talent and ensuring that future generations have the guidance he once received.

Baraza’s journey has been one of triumph, loss, and redemption. While his playing days may be behind him, his impact on Kenyan football is far from over.