Harambee Stars defender lands lucrative deal in Azerbaijan

Less than a week after impressing in Harambee Stars 2-1 defeat against Gabon in the 2026 World Cup qualifier at the Nyayo Stadium, Johnstone Omurwa has secured his dream move.

The former Mathare United centre back  has completed a move to Azerbaijan Premier League side Kapaz FC on a short-term deal until the end of the season.

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Omurwa who made 23 appearances for the national U23 team,  joins the struggling side as they look to bolster their defense in the fight against relegation.

In a statement, Kapaz who are ninth in the 10-team league with 23 points from 27 matches, said:  “Our team has signed Johnstone Omurwa. The Kenyan footballer has joined on a contract until the end of the season. Omurwa plays as a central defender. The 26-year-old’s last club was Saudi Arabian side Abha.”

The 26-year-old former Butere Boys High School alumnus signed for Wazito in 2017 immediately after high school. A year later, he joined Slum Boys Mathare United and made his debut for the club against Vihiga United in February 2018.

In August 2019, Omurwa returned to Wazito. Omurwa was linked with a transfer to Petro Atlético in summer 2020, but the deal fell through.

He has had stints at  Portuguese side Estrela da Amadora, and most recently, Abha in Saudi Arabia. His time at Estrela saw him play a key role in their promotion to the Primeira Liga, while at Abha, he featured regularly.

Omurwa could make his debut as early as Sunday when Kapaz takes on bottom-placed Sabail FC.

The all-action defender will have the opportunity to explore his options at the end of the season.

He made his debut for Harambee Stars  on September 8, 2019 in a 1–1 friendly draw with Uganda. Omurwa captained the national team for a 1–0 win over South Sudan on  March 13, 2021