This archive report was first published on 7 May 2021.
Published on May 7, 2021, the Kenyan government's decision to suspend passenger flights to and from India has left dozens of Kenyans, including Harambee Stars coach Jacob 'Ghost' Mulee, stranded in the Asian country.
Mulee, 53, and his elder brother have been receiving treatment at the Apollo hospital in New Delhi for the past three weeks.
"I thank God we have recovered and thank Kenyans for the support and prayers," Mulee said in a phone interview from India on Thursday.
However, their recovery has been overshadowed by the challenges of returning home, as the government has suspended flights for 14 days following a surge in positive Covid-19 cases in India.
Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe announced the suspension of flights and also introduced a 14-day mandatory period for passengers transiting through India, which must be monitored by Kenya's health officials.
Mulee expressed relief that the 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifiers have been rescheduled to commence in October, citing the challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.
"It is good news (that the qualifiers have been postponed)," Mulee observed. "Most of our local-based players have been out of competition and I was worried about their fitness ahead of such crucial matches. We are at a disadvantage. We experienced this challenge against Comoros last year and it affected our performances. The rescheduling gives me ample time to monitor them and plan well."
