Fide Master Harold Wanyama has been denied entry to Egypt over reasons unknown to anyone.
Wanyama, a board one player for his Kenyan club KCB was set to lead the Kenyan giants at the African Chess Club Championship that commenced on July 24, 2017 in Cairo, but due to this unfortunate tale, might have to sit out the championship.
It is not yet clear why his request has met a deaf ear despite his desperate efforts to secure the travel document. While Wanyama applied late for the entry permit, the officer in charge of visas at the Egyptian embassy appears determined to foil his efforts.
Not only has she refused to have a look at the application, she insists the tournament that started yesterday, ended days ago.
Wanayama, in a bid to get this sorted, involved UCF president Emmanuel Mwaka, but not even his presence helped.
The Egyptian Chess Federation President Hisham Elgendy was also notified and offered to help but his efforts to acquaint the consulate with the situation were futile. He failed to get to the consulate.
“I applied late because I took time getting my passport replacement, but her refusing to even look at my application was just wrong.” a frustrated Wanyama said.
Wanyama’s team opened the event on a sour note yesterday. The Kenyan champions lost 3-1 to Egyptian side Eastern Company [A], with Kenya’s No.2 seed and Candidate Master Benjamin Magana losing to IM Mohammed Ezat on board one.
The Olympian is undeniably missed in Cairo, and he says: “The team is still hopeful and they are doing all they can. They want me to play even if it’s for just one game.”
