This archive report was first published on 20 June 2020.
David Opati, a former KCB and Tusker FC striker, has shared the shocking story of how he fled Kenya in 2007 to join the British Army after being warned by a police officer about his illicit activities.
According to Opati, he had lost focus on his football career and was doubling up as a matatu driver while keeping guns and bullets for criminals, earning him more money than his football salary.
However, his life took a drastic turn when he was dropped by Tusker FC at the end of the season and a police officer in Kangemi approached him, warning him to stop keeping guns for criminals.
With the officer's guidance, Opati applied to join the British Army and was on a plane to the UK within two weeks, starting a new life and career.
Tragically, Opati sustained a life-threatening injury while on a mission in Afghanistan in 2007, resulting in the amputation of his right leg.
Today, Opati works as a motivational speaker, crediting the then Tusker coach Jacob Ghost Mulee and the police officer who helped him join the British Army for his newfound purpose.
