DENNIS OLIECH SAYS HE DOESN’T REGRET REJECTING SH200M TO CHANGE CITIZENSHIP 

Kenya’s iconic footballer and former Harambee Stars captain, Dennis Oliech, has shared that he doesn’t regret rejecting Sh200M to change citizenship.

In a  interview with Radio 47’s Fred Arocho, Oliech reflected on his early earnings, his rise to stardom, and a life-changing Sh200 million offer he turned down to remain a Kenyan citizen.

Oliech’s football journey began at a young age, and by 16, he was already earning Sh 18,000 per month while playing for Mathare United. “When I was at Kakamega High School and Kamkunji, I never paid school fees because of football. From Form One to Form Three, I was at Kakamega High School, then switched to Kamkunji in Form Four. While playing for Mathare United, I earned KSh 18,000 at just 16 years old,” he revealed.

The income not only supported his personal needs but also helped his family. After making it, Oliech rejected a staggering Sh200 million offer to change his nationality from Kenya to Qatar. “I was offered Sh200 million to change my nationality from Kenya to Qatar. I asked for advice, but everyone told me it was my decision to make. Looking back, it was the best decision ever,” he said.

Oliech explained his reasoning, citing concerns about the treatment of foreign workers in the Middle East. “Just imagine those Kenyan househelps working in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, and the kind of cases they get into. (Some) Arabs aren’t good people. They are only good when they need you. Imagine not being able to leave their airport without a letter from your host,” he stated.

He also expressed fears about the potential risks of accepting the offer. “They would have planted even substances in my house, arrested me, and I wouldn’t have enjoyed that money,” he speculated.