Former Harambee Stars captain Dennis Oliech has watered down claims he is in the running for the vacant Kibra constituency parliamentary seat.
On Tuesday, Kenya Premier League side Gor Mahia terminated Oliech’s contract over various claims, among them offering himself for elective politics.
“You have offered yourself as a candidate for popular political elections, a move that is likely to portray the club in bad light, cause disaffection among club’s supporters and fans, a step that is inconsistent with and inimical to your standing as the club’s football player. Further, you have posted a photograph of yourself in the social media donning the clubs jersey indicating your political intentions,” read part of the club’s communication.
However, Oliech has denied claims of running for an elective seat, claiming that politicians are liars.
“Everyone who knows me knows too well I can’t go into politics. I am not a politician because I am not a liar. Those people thrive on lies and in my life I have never given a thought to that. Furthermore, I don’t even come from Kibra, so why would I go to vie there? What happened is, at 11am yesterday (Tuesday 27 August) a friend sent me the picture on WhatsApp and I found it hilarious.
"I thought I could share with friends so we can laugh together. It was all a joke, but as soon as it went out there, the club gave it a different spin and look at where we are now,” he told Soka.co.ke.
“I have played this game for many years at a very high level. I respect Gor Mahia and I respect the team’s fans too. I have one year and some months remaining on my contract; how stupid can I be to leave the team to try and vie for a political position, and especially without a guarantee of winning?” he posed.