Safa Sporting Club, which competes in the Lebanese top-tier league, announced on Monday that they had signed former Gor Mahia striker Benson Omala, eliciting mixed reactions from observers.

For two consecutive seasons, Omala starred for K’Ogalo and was clearly destined for greener pastures. However, moving to war-torn Lebanon was never anticipated.

The former Western Stima player finished last season as the top striker in the FKF Premier League, scoring 19 goals as K’Ogalo secured a second consecutive title.

In February, the player attempted to leave the club, with his handlers claiming they had secured a move to Algerian side JS Soura, but the deal fell through.

According to a club official who requested anonymity to avoid controversy, they had no choice but to let him go, despite their desire to keep him.

“We didn’t want to be accused of standing in his way, as was the case in February when his representatives were constantly calling and demanding that we release him,” the source explained.

In a recent communiqué from the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary, the government announced its intention to evacuate Kenyans living in Lebanon due to security concerns.

“The Government of Kenya is monitoring the evolving situation in Lebanon and is prepared to rapidly evacuate Kenyans wishing to leave the country.

“An Inter-Ministerial Committee led by the State Department for Diaspora Affairs is working round the clock to ensure the safety of the 26,599 Kenyans in Lebanon. The Committee is liaising with Kenya’s Mission in Kuwait, which is accredited to Lebanon, and other partners to execute an evacuation plan,” the statement reads.

Also read: Omala Departs For Lebanese Top Tier As Gor Mahia Gears Up For CAF Champions League

Despite being officially released by Gor Mahia, it is unclear whether Omala has left the country or plans to do so soon. Efforts to reach the player by phone have been unsuccessful.

“He has hesitated to move since the security concerns in Lebanon were raised, but there’s little we can do now as he’s officially no longer our player after his ITC was approved,” the source added.

Gor Mahia concluded their preseason over the weekend after playing back-to-back friendly matches against Tanzanian side Fountain Gate FC in Kwaraa, Tanzania.

The team’s focus now shifts to the CAF Champions League, where they will travel to Juba, South Sudan on Thursday to face hosts El Merreikh on Sunday.