This archive report was first published on 22 July 2019.
On July 22, 2019, Kenyan footballer Victor Wanyama clarified his nationality status, stating he remains a Kenyan national despite acquiring a British passport.
Wanyama, the Harambee Stars captain, qualified for a British passport after residing in the United Kingdom for more than six years, as per the European country's immigration laws.
He recently made headlines after a British newspaper, Daily Mail, reported that the 28-year-old footballer turned down a proposed move abroad last year in a bid to qualify for his passport.
"I am not changing my nationality. It (passport) will help me reside in the UK if I decide to remain there after I retire," Wanyama said.
Wanyama, who currently plays for Tottenham Hotspurs, emphasized that he is a Kenyan by birth and will remain Kenyan, but having a UK passport will be of great benefit to him in the future.
The new passport allows him to live and work in the UK and any other country in the European Union.
Wanyama joined Scottish club Celtic in 2011 before moving to Southampton in 2013 and Hotspurs in 2016.
