Kenyan football fans are celebrating the return of Harambee Starlets midfielder Lornah Nyarinda Nyabuto, who has officially joined Kenya Police Bullets. Her comeback marks the end of a turbulent period following a distressing stint with Albanian top-tier club FK Apolonia Fier, where she endured contractual disputes, financial struggles, and even racism.
A Journey Marked by Highs and Lows
Nyarinda is no stranger to success on the pitch. She was part of the Vihiga Queens squad that represented the CECAFA region in the inaugural CAF Women’s Champions League in 2021. She played a key role in the team’s famous 2-0 victory over Moroccan giants AS FAR, a historic moment for Kenyan women’s football.
Her international journey continued in 2023 when she featured for Harambee Starlets in their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) first-leg qualifier against Botswana. With a growing reputation, her move to Europe in 2024 seemed like a natural step forward. However, what was meant to be a dream opportunity quickly turned into a nightmare.
A Promising Deal That Went Wrong
In early 2024, Nyarinda secured a move to FK Apolonia Fier, convinced that the deal would change both her life and that of her family. However, upon arrival in Albania, she encountered unforeseen challenges. Payments were delayed, contract terms were altered—including an extension from one year to three years without her knowledge or consent—and her agent became unresponsive. Additionally, the salary she had agreed upon while in Kenya was not what she ultimately received in Albania.
Struggles On and Off the Pitch
Despite the off-field struggles, Nyarinda excelled on the pitch, playing a key role in FK Apolonia’s campaign. She helped the club lift the Albanian Super Cup and guided them to a second-place league finish, just three points behind the champions.
However, once the season ended, her problems escalated. The club failed to honor parts of her contract, leaving her stranded without airfare funds. She also faced incidents of racism. Were it not for the Kenya Footballers Welfare Association (KEFWA), which provided her with a ticket home, she says she would still be stuck in Albania while others reaped the benefits of her hard work.
Depression and Contract Disputes
Returning to Kenya did not provide immediate relief. FK Apolonia refused to release her, leaving her in limbo and unable to play. The prolonged uncertainty took a toll on her, pushing her into depression. Frustrated, she even took to social media at one point to bid farewell to football, expressing disappointment in the agent, the club, and those who facilitated the deal.
Nyarinda later opened up about her ordeal in an emotional interview on the Tiki Taka show, where she detailed the struggles she faced in Albania. She revealed how the club, through the agent, insisted she write an apology letter before they would process her release—delaying it for months.
A Fresh Start with Kenya Police Bullets
Amid the turmoil, Kenya Police Bullets offered her a place to train while she awaited clearance. After months of uncertainty, FK Apolonia finally granted her release yesterday, making her officially a Kenya Police Bullets player.
Now free to resume her career, Nyarinda is ready for a fresh start. With her resilience and talent, Kenyan football fans eagerly await her return to the pitch, hoping she can reclaim her best form and make an impact once again.
