Kenyan Girl, 14, Finally Joins Her Dad in the UK After Visa Hitch

A 14-year-old Kenyan girl who had been denied a United Kingdom visa has finally reunited with her father in Scotland.

Ann Omondi traveled to the UK this week after her request for a visa was granted a few weeks ago following an intervention by British Prime Minister Theresa May.

Denis Omondi, a Kenyan-born British soldier, had been fighting to have his daughter, who had been living in Kenya, granted the travel document.

In November last year, the Home Office rejected her application for visa stating that Omondi did not spend enough time with her.

Omondi separated with Ann's mother but he won the battle for his daughter's custody.

After Ann's application was rejected, Omondi appealed and luckily got the backing of Scottish MP Drew Hendry, who raised his plight with Prime Minister Theresa May during questions session at the Westminster House of Commons early this year.

Hendry termed the Home Office's decision to deny the military officer a chance to be with his daughter as unfair.

Responding to MP Hendry, PM May expressed her gratitude to Omondi’s service and instructed Home Secretary Said Javid to review Ann's application.

Omondi serves with 3rd Battalion, the Royal Regiment of Scotland and is currently married to Mrs. Shelagh, a UK national.

Ann will now live with his dad and stepmother in Inverness, Scotland.

"I feel overwhelmed at the support received from every corner of this country, especially from Drew Hendry and his team."

"I have no words to thank them, it’s something I didn’t expect. I’m just thankful that they took the case and gave me all the support needed and Ann’s here now — I feel safe now," says Omondi after his daughter's arrival.

Ann says: "I’m so happy to be with my dad and step mum, I love her so much."