Blow for Kenya as Reims rule out defender Joseph Okumu for several months

Kenya national team defender Joseph Okumu has been ruled out for several months by French Ligue 2 club Reims following a nasty injury.

The towering Harambee Stars defender suffered a tear to his left knee ligaments during Reims first game in Ligue 2 against Amiens on Monday, 11 August, which ended in a 2-2 draw.

Initially after the game which Okumu lasted for 10 minutes, the club posted on their social media pages: “Initial tests have confirmed a serious ligament injury to the left knee. Further examinations will be conducted over the coming days to determine the exact nature of the injury and to decide on the next steps for his treatment.”

Later the club, which was relegated to the lower division at the end of last season, confirmed the bad news by saying: “Joseph will unfortunately be sidelined for several months. The entire Stade de Reims team offers him their full support and will accompany him throughout his recovery. Good luck, Jo, we are with you all.”

Okumu has played club football for Chemelil Sugar, Free State Stars and AFC Ann Arbor. At AFC Ann Arbor he made eight league appearances in the 2018 season. On 16 August 2018, Okumu signed for USL Championship side Real Monarchs.

On 28 August 2019, Okumu transferred to Swedish Allsvenskan side IF Elfsborg for an undisclosed fee. He signed for Belgian club Gent on 21 June 2021 for €3.5 million before he transferred to the French club Reims.

The injury means he will not be involved for Benni McCarthy’s Harambee Stars when they resume their hunt for the 2026 FIFA World Cup ticket in September.