Ferdinand Omanyala Visa issue in Kenya. Africa’s fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala has expressed gratitude for the assistance he got from the government to get his US visa. Omanyala was declared the fastest man after becoming Africa’s 100m world record holder.
With a time of 9.85 seconds set in May, Omanyala is this season’s third-fastest man in the world after, Americans Fred Kerley and Trayvon Bromell. He became the ninth-fastest man in history in September 2021 after setting a new African mark of 9.77 seconds, leaving behind four Americans and three Jamaicans.
Earlier this week Omanyala wrote on his social media platform about the delays he is facing to get his visa ready thus worried about missing out on the worlds championships in Oregon
“As a sportsman, you need some time to rest and train a little to get over the jet lag because the flight takes close to 22 hours. I just hope I can leave today (Wednesday) so that I can be there Thursday night and relax a little, considering the circumstances and the fact that my first race is on Friday,” he stated”.
Omanyala’s race is scheduled to begin at 8:30 am Kenyan time on Saturday, which is Friday at 10:30 pm Oregon time. After Omanyala addressed his fear of missing out on attending the championship, Kenyans on social media came out and talked about the situation thus asking the president to help fasten his visa.
On Thursday, July 14 he received the visa after intervention from President Uhuru Kenyatta. The athlete thanked everyone who assisted him in getting the visa in a Tweet, and he is now getting ready to leave the country.
“Onto the next flight to Oregon. Am positive that I will compete. Thanks so much for your support and prayers,” he wrote” Firstly, I would like to thank God, The president, CS Amina Mohamed, have been at the forefront in ensuring I get my visa. Thank you to the US embassy in Kenya for granting me my visa.” He added”
The athlete has secured a Visa and will be leaving Kenya today. He is set to represent Kenya in the 100 meters race. His flight starts at 6 pm to Dubai then make a connection flight to the Us and land in Oregon some few hours before the race.
Delays in getting a visa are a challenge faced by many Kenyans daily, according to the stated athlete his case is not any different. the runner is set to also compete in the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham on July 28th, thus looking forward to making Kenyans proud. Kenyans on social media have come out and appreciated the government for acting fast on the situation and sending their best wishes to the athlete.
