It is so unfortunate that matters that should be kept off politics in Kenya have found their way to the dirty game. Soccer is one game that has massive following here in Kenya, we have witnessed deaths and other vices whenever supporters of different teams differ. The most serious one was when a daughter murdered her own father over different interests - her father wanted to watch soccer while the daughter wanted to watch a soap opera.

Nairobi literally comes to a stand still especially when Manchester United and Arsenal are playing and these are the times when disasters are bound to happen. I have always wondered why our humble national team - Harambee Stars has never attracted such following but am sorry to say that Kenyan football was long thrown to the dogs.

My headline for this story are real words by our Prime Minister Raila Odinga who is known to have a soft spot for soccer. I would not know how truthful these words are but they carry a lot of weight if what is happening to our team is anything to go by.

Right now the team is in crisis since politicians decided to be more adventurous and have now pitched tents in our fields no wonder the regretful performance witnessed from the team.

We should now be seriously preparing for the world cup to be held in South Africa next year but the bickering and jostling by the team leaders have continued to dwindle the prospects of Harambee Stars being on the list of the teams which will qualify for the world cup.

For instance Taiwo Atieno who is a Rochester Rhino’s player in USA’s second best league and a Kenyan born in Brixton Britain, has earned a call up to Harambee Stars.

He has already joined the team but he might not play after all since efforts to get him a Kenyan passport have proved futile which is the only way for him to join the team.

Ever since landing in Kenya in December to trace his heritage, Taiwo never minced his words in wanting to be a Harambee Star.
Taiwo’s inclusion in the team had brought an element of foreign experience considering that Taiwo’s soccer career started at Charlton Athletic’s youth team when he was eight years old before moving to Walswall Football Club at 14.

As much as our constitution does not allow dual citizenship, Taiwo’s case should not be politicized, the guy has Kenyan roots, he should be treated as a Kenyan, after all we need him so much in the team. So please politicians keep off our fields and let experts play the game without fear or intimidation.