A punishing right-hand batsman and efficient wicketkeeper, Kennedy Otieno was an ever-present for Kenya since he made his debut in 1993. His finest hour with the bat came in 1997 when he smashed 144 against Bangladesh, adding a then world-record 225 for the first wicket with Deepak Chuasama. He punished Bangladesh A in 2002, with 146 not out. He was also instrumental as Kenya reached the 2003 World Cup semi-finals. He featured in every game, scoring 60 in Kenya's win against Sri Lanka and blasting 79 against India in a Super Six defeat. His form suffered from a lack of matches, but he spent time in Australia in 2005-06, and even had some coaching from Rod Marsh, and he returned in great form with the bat in Zimbabwe later in that season. But he surprisingly chose to take a club contract in Australia in 2006-07 and so ruled himself out of contention for a place in the World Cup squad, a move which seemed to end his international career, but he subsequently returned although was unable to recreate his former form. His brothers, David and Collins Obuya, also play for Kenya's international side.
Martin Williamson