Harambee Stars legend Dennis Oliech says the national team needs Gor Mahia’s Benson Omalla in the squad as quickly as possible as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers starting next month.

Oliech is Kenyan’s second top scorer with 34 goals just a goal behind William Ouma.

Oliech's prolific career with the national team spanned from 2002 to 2016, a period in which he consistently showcased his scoring prowess and unwavering dedication to the Kenyan cause.

Across 76 appearances for the Stars, Oliech's ability to find the back of the net became a source of pride and inspiration for Kenyan football fans.

His impressive goal-scoring record solidified his status as a true legend of the game and a key figure in the modern history of the Harambee Stars.

Oliech said Omalla needed to be in the national team to understudy Harambee Stars' captain Michael Olunga, whose time is coming to an end.

“His time is fast coming to an end and so the national team needs to bring in Omalla as quickly as possible,” Oliech said.

He also commended  Olunga’s performance in the last two international friendlies despite a dry spell and asked fans not to be too critical of the 29-year-old as he has been a key figure in the Stars squad.

“For me, Olunga is one of the best players we have. After me, it's him, so even his time will end. People, however, should not criticise him just because he is not scoring now. He has been helping out Harambee Stars and right now,  he has the most goals for the team,” he added.

Olunga is currently enduring poor form in front of goal after failing to capitalise on two huge chances against 2018 World Cup host Russia that would have sealed a historic win for Kenya. He currently has 22 goals for Harambee Stars in 50 appearances.

There has been much controversy regarding the team selection for the previous international friendlies with most fans questioning why Omalla was left out. 

Omalla is the current FKF Premier League top scorer with six goals followed by Talanta FC’s Erick Ombija with four.

However, Stars head coach Engin Firat had earlier defended the team selection process, saying it was purely on merit.

"What I want to tell Kenyans is that the current crop of players featuring for the national team have been selected on merit and have what it takes to handle the pressure on the big stage,” the Turkish gaffer said.

If the previous international match is anything to go by, the team will need a lethal striker to be able to bag more goals and possibly secure their first-ever World Cup slot.

Kenya is placed in Group ‘F’ of the coming World Cup qualifiers that are to be co-hosted by three North American countries; Mexico, USA, and Canada.

The national team will be up against 2015 Afcon champions Ivory Coast, Gabon, The Gambia, Burundi, and Seychelles. Stars begin their campaign against Gabon away on November 13.