Nairobi, Kenya — Gor Mahia defender Michael Kibwage has continued to attract attention after earning a Harambee Stars call-up despite being under precautionary suspension at club level.

Kenya head coach Benni McCarthy defended his decision to select the centre-back for the national team’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, insisting that his confidence in the player remained unchanged.

McCarthy backs Kibwage

Kibwage was among the Gor Mahia players placed under precautionary suspension following the club’s heavy defeat to Egyptian side Pyramids FC in the CAF Champions League.

McCarthy, however, rejected the idea that the club’s decision should determine his national-team selections. He said he trusted Kibwage’s ability and commitment, adding that the defender had consistently given his best when representing Kenya.

The coach also argued that criticism directed at individual players following Gor Mahia’s defeat was unfair, describing the result as a collective team failure.

Gor Mahia investigation remains unresolved

Gor Mahia chairman Ambrose Rachier later confirmed that Kibwage’s case remained under investigation. The defender had requested details explaining the concerns that led to his precautionary suspension.

Rachier said the club intended to provide match footage for further review. Unlike goalkeeper Byrne Omondi, whose suspension had been lifted, Kibwage’s situation remained unresolved as of the chairman’s update on 25 October 2026.

Focus shifts to national-team duty

Kibwage’s inclusion in the Harambee Stars squad demonstrated McCarthy’s willingness to assess players on their national-team merits despite unresolved club matters.

Kenya, one of the co-hosts of the 2027 AFCON alongside Uganda and Tanzania, has already secured a place at the tournament. The qualifying matches nevertheless provide McCarthy with competitive opportunities to assess his squad ahead of the finals.