Harambee Stars coach Bennie McCarthy's preparations for the delayed 2024 Africa Nations Championship (Chan) tournament have been dealt a blow following the withdrawal of talisman Mohammed Bajaber from camp just five days before the competition.
Nation Sport has confirmed the Harambee Stars fan-favourite is joining Tanzania men’s premier league giants Simba Sports Club, which makes him ineligible to play in the tournament. Chan is reserved for players plying their trade in the domestic leagues of their countries.
“The player left camp and is still in Nairobi, but the deal is almost complete. It means he can’t play in 2024 Chan,” a source who preferred anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter told Nation Sport on Monday.
Harambee Stars forward Mohamed Bajaber plays against Gambia in a 2026 Fifa World Cup Group ‘F’ qualifying match at Stade Alassane Quattara in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire on March 21, 2025.
Photo credit: Pool
“He has not yet travelled to Tanzania. I can confirm that he will be unveiled soon by the club,” the source added.
Bajaber, formerly with National Super League side Nairobi City Stars, will join the ‘Wekundu wa Msimbazi’ side from Football Kenya Federation Premier League champions Kenya Police FC.
Last season, Simba finished second in the Tanzanian league on 78 points from 30 matches, four points behind champions Yanga Sports Club. They won 25 matches, drew three, and lost two.
Born on March 15, 2003, Bajaber developed his football skills at Star Field Academy in Parklands, Nairobi. He had a trial with Danish top-tier side FC Midtjylland in 2021 for two weeks, and later joined Nairobi City Stars the same year before making a move to Kenya Police in February this year.
At Police, Bajaber scored five goals in his first five appearances. He made a huge impact with Harambee Stars on March 20, scoring Kenya’s equaliser against Gambia in a 3-3 draw in the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers.
Bajaber came on as a substitute in the 62nd minute for Erick Johanna Omollo and scored a spectacular goal in the 75th minute of the match. He made his debut for Kenya in a friendly match against Burkina Faso on January 4 this year, although he remained on the bench.
Kenya Police midfielder Mohammed Bajaber in action against FC Talanta during FKF Premier League match on May 18, 2025 at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos County.
Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group
His performances have made him a fan favourite and a key player on the team. Coach McCarthy had previously praised his work ethic, willingness to improve, and love for learning. Striker Brian Michira of Shabana FC has replaced Bajaber in Kenya’s camp.
Michira’s strong performance last season saw him score six goals in 12 matches, establishing himself as one of Shabana’s key attackers after a slow start.
Bajaber joins strikers Moses Shummah (formerly of Kakamega Homeboyz) and Emmanuel Osoro (Talanta FC in the NSL), both of whom left Harambee Stars camp earlier this month to finalise deals with Power Dynamos of Zambia.
