Harambee Stars Defender Alphonce Omija Pens Gor Mahia Farewell Letter

Kenya international defender Alphonce Omija has now ended his silence following reports that he is an Etoile du Sahel player after one year at Gor Mahia.

But the written note on his Facebook account is not the kind where the defender spills the beans or gives an insight into the move.

Omija was confirmed to have rejected a new two-year deal in August, instead opting to agree terms with the 11-time Tunisia Ligue 1 champions.

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The 22-year-old has since penned an emotional letter to bid farewell to Gor Mahia.

"Gor Mahia Will Forever Be My Home Gor Mahono Damu Ni Green. Since @gor.mahiayouthfc," he posted.

"And for the past year, playing for Gor Mahia has been a true honor. Very incredible—full of emotions, will miss every moment, battles and smiles we shared. Wishing you the very best in future," he added.

"To the #GreenArmySupporters – Thank you for your love and support, you made it more beautiful. Wish I could have said goodbye in a better way, but just know my love for you is endless," he noted.

"And to the club’s management – nothing much. I appreciate each of you.With Much Love; OMIJA #AO5."

The defender, who was unveiled on Tuesday by Etoile du Sahel, departs Gor Mahia after playing a pivotal role in their recent domestic campaign.

His decision to join the Tunisian giants comes as a major step in his career, underscoring his steady rise in both club and international football.

Omija was one of Kenya’s standout performers during the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), which was co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

He started in two matches and came off the bench in two more, impressing with his composure and discipline at the back.

His performances contributed significantly to Kenya’s successful group-stage run, where the Harambee Stars stunned eventual winners Morocco, edged two-time champions DR Congo, and overcame Zambia, while also drawing against Angola. Kenya topped Group A with ten points, and Omija’s defensive contributions were widely praised.

A product of Gor Mahia Youth, Omija first broke into the senior side in 2019. However, due to limited opportunities, he moved to Kariobangi Sharks, where he gained regular minutes and won the 2018 FKF Cup.

His progress at Sharks paved the way for his first professional move abroad, signing with Oman’s Dhofar FC.

After a successful stint in Oman, he returned to Gor Mahia in June 2024 and played a key role in their campaign, helping the team secure a second-place finish in the Kenyan Premier League.

On the international stage, Omija made his senior debut for the Harambee Stars on July 11, 2024, in a FIFA World Cup qualifier against Ivory Coast in Lilongwe, Malawi.

That match marked the beginning of his rise as a trusted defender for Kenya, adding to his CHAN 2024 heroics.

Omija now embarks on a new chapter in his career, having signed for the Tunisian giants who are two-time CAF Confederation Cup champions.