Omanyala’s plane will take-off from JKIA at 6pm.
Finally after two days of anxiety, sweat and tears, Kenya and Africa’s fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala has secured a visa, allowing him to travel to USA for the World Athletics Championships.
According to numerous reports, Omanyala will depart the country today, just a few hours before he is set to take part in his first 100m race in Hayward Field at the University of Oregon.
“I can confirm that we have managed to get a 6pm flight for Omanyala and he will arrive just in time for his race,” Athletics Kenya Executive Committee member Barnaba Korir told Capital Sports.
Omanyala is expected to participate in two 100m events, Preliminary Round and the Heats. The former will take place on Friday at exactly 10:30pm while the latter will be held a few hours later, early Saturday morning at 4:50am.
The Kenyan record holder released a statement confirming that he indeed secured a visa, through efforts from President Uhuru Kenyatta and Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Amina Mohamed.
“Visa challenges are faced by all Kenyans and people daily, in this case I was no different. Firstly I would like to thank God, the President of Kenya HE Uhuru Kenyatta and GOK through MOSCA, CS Amb. 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,” read the statement in part.
Omanyala concluded his statement by revealing, he also plans to take part in the forthcoming Commonwealth Games set to take place in Birmingham, United Kingdom from July 28 to August 8.
“I will also be competing in the commonwealth games in Birmingham July 28th. Looking forward to making all Kenyans proud,” he concluded.