Harambee Stars Defender Reveals How Kenya's 2024 Protests Cost Him a Move to the US

Harambee Stars defender Abud Omar has revealed how the 2024 protests in Kenya derailed his planned move to the United States to continue his football career.

Omar began his professional journey in Kenya with Admiral FC and Bandari before enjoying a successful spell at Tusker FC, where he secured multiple trophies, including the Kenyan Super Cup.

In 2016, he made history as the first Kenyan to feature in the Bulgarian top flight after joining Slavia Sofia, where he went on to win the Bulgarian Cup.

His European career also included stints with Cercle Brugge in Belgium and Sepsi OSK in Romania, before returning to Greece to play for Ionikos and AEL Larissa, and he disclosed that a potential move to the US collapsed, forcing him back to Kenya.

Speaking to Kishai TV, Abud Omar explained that returning to Kenya had not been part of his original plans, as he had been pursuing an opportunity to continue his career abroad.

He said the deal fell through after unrest in the country led to the closure of the US embassy, which disrupted his travel and documentation process, ultimately forcing him to stay.

Abud Omar added that he remains open to exploring options elsewhere, including a possible switch to represent Tanzania due to his family ties, and expressed hope that such an opportunity might arise before he retires, noting that he would be ready to seize it if it comes.

“Like I said, even coming back to Kenya, I didn’t want. I had an offer to go and play outside the country, and then, as you all know, there was a time we had protests in Kenya. I was supposed to go to the US, but it didn’t happen because the embassy had been closed due to the unrest,” Abud Omar said.

“So, I had to remain in Kenya. However, I’m open to playing for Tanzania because, as you all know, my mum is Tanzanian, and I hope to play for Tanzania before I retire from football. When an opportunity comes, I will take it; if not, I will have to force things.”

Currently, the experienced left-back turns out for Kenya Police FC in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League, where he continues to play a vital role in their defence.