Omanyala: Let's stop pointing fingers, the government helped in my US VISA saga
Athletics
By
Odero Charles
| Jul 22, 2022
Ferdinand Omanyala, President Uhuru Kenyatta and First Lady Margaret Kenyatta at the third edition of the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold series, Kip Keino Classic at the Moi International Sports Centre [Standard]
Africa's fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala on Friday called upon Kenyans to stop pointing fingers at the government regarding his VISA saga ahead of the World Athletics Championships in Oregon, United States.
Speaking through his official social media account Twitter, the reigning African champion said there is no one to blame for his visa delay and that it was the government who helped him get to Oregon.
Omanyala landed about three hours before the first heat last Saturday morning and was immediately ferried to Hayward Field where he finished third in his heat after clocking 10.10 seconds and advancing to the semifinals.
Omanyala, who did not obtain his US visa until Thursday morning last week, faced a five-hour flight to Doha, Qatar, a six-hour layover, a 14-hour flight to Seattle, a three-hour layover and finally, a one-hour flight to Eugene.
“Like I said, there is no one to blame for my visa delay. We all as athletes went for VISA interviews at the embassy. After that, I was sent supplementary questions that needed clarification,” posted Omanyala.
“But on Thursday, a day before my race, my Visa was not out. It was through government intervention by the Ministry of Sports and Athletics Kenya that I got my VISA.
“In fact, the Ministry of Sports through CS Amina Mohammed were instrumental in my VISA being granted once the issue was raised.”
Lets stop pointing fingers. The government actually really helped. @moscakenya
@ambaminacmohamed pic.twitter.com/jBqvAexmK4 — Ferdinand Omurwa OMANYALA (@Ferdiomanyala) July 22, 2022
Omanyala edged out Simbine, who was also the Commonwealth Games 100m champion in a photo-finish with the duo returning 9.93 sec in the final held June 9 at Cote d'Or National Sports Complex.
Last year, Omanyala set a new African Record when he clocked 9.77 sec to finish behind American Trayvon Bromell in 9.76 sec. Simbine held the previous record of 9.84 sec.