- The Harambee Stars promised bonuses blame-game between Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and the government has now shaped up to extend to stars Captain Victor Wanyama as stars defender Aboud Omar now blamed both the team’s Captain and FKF.
Stars players are yet to receive their Sh250,000 winning bonus each following the win against Tanzania at the continental showpiece in Egypt as the clock counts almost a year down the line.
Meanwhile, Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed and FKF President Nick Mwendwa have publicly blamed one another on who is to blame for the delayed payments.
And now it is time for the outspoken Omar, who has been based in Europe for the past five years, has had his say on the matter. About a month ago the senior player who seeks anonymity had aired their feeling but still, the subject has not been solved.
“I like speaking the truth, so first I think the team captain Victor (Wanyama) didn’t handle the situation properly,” Omar said.
“He was the one who negotiated for the bonuses and allowances with the federation on behalf of the players. But he was not clear on what had been agreed upon and the timelines for the payments. It caused some bit of confusion,” Omar added.
Omar further said, “In fact, there are some other fringe players like Atudo (Joackins) who helped the team qualify for the tournament but did not receive the Sh50 million bonuses which were donated to the team by Deputy President William Ruto. We had to intervene for that to be paid.”
Omar also lifted the lid on the fact that the promised bonuses were to come from the monies received from the Confederation of African Football, opposed to what FKF claimed to be waiting for the monies from the government.
“While we were in France (for preparations ahead of the Nations Cup) the federation officials told us we will be paid our bonuses with proceeds from the monies received from the Confederation of African Football. The payments were to be made three months after the tournament. That has not happened and it is not clear why the federation is now asking the government to pay us,” Omar concluded.
