Wife Of British Soldier 'Heartbroken' Over Step-Daughter's Visa Refusal

(Picture: Omondi Family).

The wife of a British soldier whose Kenyan daughter has been refused a visa to visit the UK because military tours prevented them spending enough time together says they are "heartbroken".

Shelagh Omondi and husband Lance Corporal Denis Omondi, who was born in Kenya and serves with 3rd Battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland, want her to live with them in Scotland where he is based.

The couple is urging the Home Office to rethink its decision and are being backed by their local MP, who says a serving soldier deserves better treatment.

"Her father has full custody, he's doing everything he possibly can," Ms Omondi told Forces News.

"He's spent as much time as he can with her and we're just heartbroken that we've been denied having her here.

"It's just unbelievable to both of us."

Drew Hendry, SNP MP for Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch & Strathspey, told the House of Commons yesterday that his constituent, LCpl Omondi, is a British citizen and currently stationed at Fort George near Inverness.

He has completed tours of duty in Cyprus, Afghanistan and Iraq and has uncontested custody of his daughter, Ann, who lives in Kenya.

Mr Hendry asked Theresa May:

"Does the Prime Minister believe this situation is fair and will she look into how to reunite this loyal soldier and loving father with his daughter?"

Mrs May began by thanking Mr Omondi for his "commitment to serving in our Armed Forces".

"All our Armed Forces do an incredibly important and brave job for us," the Prime Minister continued.

She added: "I'm sure the Honourable Gentleman will not expect me to be able to look at the details of the case at the dispatch box on the floor of the House, but I will ask the Home Secretary to look at the case and respond to him."

A Home Office spokesperson told Forces News: "Mr. Omondi’s application is being reviewed, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage."