This archive report was first published on 7 October 2019.
Kenyan footballers Victor Wanyama, Michael Olunga, and Jesse Were have come to the aid of their injured colleague Philemon Otieno, contributing funds for his surgery.
Philemon Otieno has been out of action since August 4, when he suffered an injury during a CHAN qualifier against Tanzania. Despite an earlier promise from the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to cover the costs of his surgery in France, the federation claimed they did not have the funds.
After months of standoff between the federation and his club Gor Mahia, Otieno eventually underwent surgery last week at the Kenyatta National Hospital. The surgery, which cost Sh450,000, was made possible through the contributions of Wanyama, Olunga, and Were, who joined forces with the Kenya Footballers Welfare Association (KEFWA).
Gor Mahia Chief Executive Officer Lordvick Aduda expressed his disappointment with the federation's decision, saying, “Otieno had no otherwise but to reach out to his fellow national team players to help raise money for his treatment. This, to me, is unfair. FKF should have footed the bills.”
Aduda also revealed that he had written to the federation on September 4, seeking their opinion on the treatment of the player, but they ignored his letter.
Philemon Otieno is expected to be out for at least six months, having suffered a cruciate ligament injury. He featured prominently for the Stars at this year's African Cup of Nations finals in Egypt in July.
FKF CEO Barry Otieno claimed he had no details about the surgery, referring inquiries to either Otieno or his club Gor Mahia.
Philemon Otieno has declined to speak to the media since the matter gained national attention, leaving his club to handle media queries.
Asked whether the club would release their players for national duties in light of Otieno's experience, Aduda said it would be unfair to deny players a chance to play for their country, as such a move could attract sanctions from FIFA.
