Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) boss Ezekiel Mutua has rebuked the delay in sprints star Ferdinand Omanyala acquiring a VISA ahead of the World Athletics Championship to be held in the USA beginning tomorrow.
In a Thursday, July 14 statement, Mutua castigated those handling the process of acquiring the crucial travelling documents stating that Omanyala should not be treated like a commoner.
“The US visa delay controversy for our 100M sensation Ferdinand Omanyala should be an International Relations matter,” Mutua said.
“A sportsman of Omanyala’s calibre should be treated like a diplomat and accorded such honour. He cannot just be stranded in a visa matter like a commoner!” He added.
Also Read: Omanyala Should Not be Treated Like a Commoner: Ezekiel Mutua on VISA Hitch
However, Omanyala who was speaking to a local daily said his passport and VISA are ready adding that he hopes to get to the games in time for his first race which is scheduled for 4 am on Saturday, July 16, Kenyan time.
“I have been called to go and pick up the passport, that my visa is ready. This is a huge relief. Now my hope is that I will be in Oregon before the race starts, my race is scheduled around 4 am Kenyan time, that’s Saturday morning,” Omanyala said.
The sprinter had earlier on said that he would not make it for the games after failing to get the essential travel documents to the USA.
This was after World Athletics said they are closely working with the USA Olympic and Paralympic Committee to ensure the stranded athletes and officials acquire VISAs and travel for the games that begin on Friday, July 15 in Oregon.
“The Oregon 22 organizing committee and World Athletics are working closely with the USOPC to follow up on Visa applications, the majority of which have been successfully resolved. We continue to follow up with those outstanding visa issues. International travel, in general, has become more challenging due to the pandemic and we are extremely grateful for the help and experience of the USOPC in helping to resolve issues that have come up in the last few weeks.,” World Athletics said in a Thursday statement.
10,000 metres athlete Sheila Chepkirui and other officials of Athletics Kenya had also not received their VISAs.
Athletics Kenya (AK) president Jack Tuwei, AK deputy president Jinaro Kibet, AK chief administrative officer Susan Kamau and AK treasurer David Miano had not been called for interviews by the United States Embassy in Nairobi.
