Kenyan chess player Stanley Omondi has been arrested for disguising himself using a hijab and competing in the women’s section of the 2023 Kenya Open Chess Championship.
According to the BBC, Omondi, who wore a head-to-toe burqa and glasses, has registered as Millicent Awour.
However, he was arrested and exposed as the organizers doubted the success of the unknown player.
Victor Ng’ani, a member of the Kenya Chess Disciplinary Committee, vowed to punish Omondi after receiving a formal complaint from the federation led by Bernard Wangala.
In his defense, however, Omondi later wrote in a letter of apology that he was in “financial distress”, the reason for his outrageous actions. He also said he was “ready to face any consequences.”
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Kenyan chess chief Bernard Wangala said that while he would likely be banned for several years, he would not be banned from chess forever.
“We didn’t have any suspicion at first, because wearing a hijab is normal,” Wanjala told BBC Sport Africa.
“But along the way, we noticed he won against very strong players… and it will be unlikely to have a new person who has never played a tournament [being very strong].”
The BBC said on Friday that his shoes and Omondi’s failure to comment added to concerns.
The Kenya Open, which took place last week, is an annual competition in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi.
This year’s edition includes more than 400 players from 22 countries. Ninety-nine were entered in the women’s category, with the winner receiving over $3,000 (£2,400).
Omondi is a well-known chess player, but Wanjala believes his chances in the women’s section will be better given the high level of play in the men’s section of the tournament.
Although the Kenya Chess Federation has dealt with cases of age cheating before, this type of cheating is the first of its kind.
The case has been referred to the agency’s Disciplinary Committee, which is expected to make a decision within the next two days.
