Former Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama has withdrawn from the national team squad ahead of the upcoming international friendlies against Chad, set for June 7 and 10 in Morocco. His withdrawal, announced by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) on Friday morning, comes just days after his surprise inclusion in head coach Benni McCarthy’s 25-man squad.
Wanyama, 33, had officially retired from international football on September 27, 2021, but his unexpected return sparked widespread debate among fans and football stakeholders. In its official statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), FKF clarified that Wanyama would not be available due to personal commitments in the United Kingdom.
“Victor Wanyama, initially named in the provisional squad for the upcoming friendlies against Chad, has been excused due to personal commitments in the UK,” read the FKF post.
In Wanyama’s place, Gor Mahia midfielder Austin Odhiambo has received a call-up. Odhiambo, who has been in excellent form in the FKF Premier League, was previously left out of the squad for Kenya’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Gambia and Gabon—a decision that drew criticism from fans due to his standout performances at club level.
Odhiambo and several other players from Gor Mahia and Tusker FC had missed previous national team training sessions due to club fixture congestion, with their teams initially failing to release them on time.
Wanyama’s short-lived return to the national spotlight provoked mixed reactions, with some fans welcoming the experience he brings and others questioning the timing and rationale behind his inclusion.
The upcoming friendlies against Les Sao of Chad are part of Harambee Stars’ preparations for the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers. The team is expected to report to camp on June 2.
