Kenyans Online Slam Ambassador Kyle McCarter for Taking Photo with Kids Who were Denied US Visas

Kenyans online criticized Ambassador Kyle McCarter for taking a photo with Kenyan school kids who were denied US visas.

Ambassador McCarter posted the photo on Twitter saying he met the two kids at the American Embassy in Nairobi.

McCarter said the two Kenya Chess Champions were seeking to travel to the US but their visa applications were rejected. He said he gave them a word of encouragement.

“In the visa line yesterday I met this fine young boy and girl. They are Kenya Chess Champions!"

“Although a trip to the US was not possible this time I reminded them that They Are Champions & we are friends! This is the future of Kenya,” McCarter captioned the photo.

Kenyans on social media questioned why the Ambassador could not intervene and help them acquire visas instead of 'parading' them on Twitter.

@ngindahiram said: “Interesting to see your administration continues to deny a visa to eligible applicants."

McCarter defended himself, stating that qualifications for visa applications are constant and do not vary from a person to another.

"Applicants are eligible or not. Qualifications do not change," said McCarter.

@Princenzee noted: “What hope?? Denying young kids Visa to go compete is bad."

McCarter replied: “They are children. You don’t know the situation of their parents or guardians. We take all cases seriously."

@yourpennfully said: “Jeez why did you deny them visas? They were ONLY GOING TO PLAY CHESS & RETURN? or did you have reason to think they would go underground despite their YOUNG AGES? sad sad.”
MorWhy were they denied visa that wud have facilitated them represent Kenya in the tourney? And why tell us that they were denied...case of rubbing it in

‏ @jojeepoji noted:” Why were they denied visa that wud have facilitated them represent Kenya in the tourney? And why tell us that they were denied...case of rubbing it in.”