Harambee Starlets striker Janet Moraa Bundi has opened up about a terrifying ordeal in Jerusalem, where she has been forced to seek shelter repeatedly as missile strikes shake the city amid escalating conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.
Speaking to Nation Media Group, the 26-year-old described days of fear, confusion, and psychological strain as warning alarms and explosions disrupted life at her hotel.
Moraa, who plays professionally for FC Beitar Jerusalem, said she has been confined to her room at JRose Hotel in Jerusalem, frequently rushing to underground bunkers as sirens warn of incoming attacks.
“I Was Really Scared”
According to Moraa, the chaos began early Saturday morning.
“It started on Saturday at 8 am. I was still asleep when a warning alert louder than my usual phone alarm went off, followed immediately by the building alarm. I was really scared,” she said.
Guests were forced to abandon elevators, which had stopped operating, and rush down stairwells toward designated safe zones. Elderly residents struggled to move quickly, adding to the tension.
Hotel management instructed residents to evacuate to the first floor and then into an underground shelter for short periods before returning to their rooms — always prepared to move again at a moment’s notice.
Jets, Explosions and Smoke
Moraa described frightening scenes that followed each alarm.
“Each alert was followed by jets flying overhead, a loud bang, and thick clouds of smoke in the sky.”
On the first day alone, she sought shelter three to four times, with alarms sounding every 30 to 40 minutes. Some residents, overwhelmed by the constant fear, relocated to nearby buildings.
For the Kenyan striker, the uncertainty has been mentally exhausting.
“The first day was really scary. I didn’t know what the loud alert on my phone meant, and in the hotel, everyone was running downstairs for safety.”
Conflict Escalation
The crisis reportedly began with airstrikes in Iran targeting 24 provinces, with international reports claiming at least 201 deaths, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Israel responded to missile attacks from Hezbollah in Lebanon, while Tehran reportedly launched missiles and drones toward Israel, Gulf states, and even a British air base in Cyprus.
Meanwhile, former US President Donald Trump warned that the “big wave” of the conflict may still be ahead, adding that uncertainty surrounds Iran’s leadership succession.
The rapidly evolving situation has left foreign nationals in Israel — including professional athletes — caught in the middle.
Language Barrier Adds to Strain
Moraa revealed that communication has been another challenge. As the only foreign player at her club, she said most hotel staff speak limited English, making it difficult to fully understand safety instructions.
She has had to rely on basic interactions and observation to follow emergency procedures.
For a player far from home, the situation has been isolating.
Football on Hold
Football activities in Israel have been suspended indefinitely.
“Football leagues in Israel were suspended on Saturday, and the club told us all matches are on hold until further notice,” Moraa said.
Her club, FC Beitar Jerusalem, competes in Israel’s Division Two League. Moraa joined the side in September 2025 after leaving National Bank of Egypt Women Football Club, where she made history as the first Kenyan female footballer to turn professional in Egypt.
She previously featured for Yanga Princess in Tanzania and represented Kenya at the 2016 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.
A Proud Journey From Nyamira
Born in Nyamira County as the youngest of eight children, Moraa has risen to become one of Kenya’s most experienced female football exports.
She joins a growing list of Kenyans playing in the Middle East and beyond, including stars such as Michael Olunga, Anthony Akumu, Austine Odhiambo, and Masoud Juma.
However, few have had to navigate the realities of active conflict while pursuing their careers.
“This Is a Real War”
Despite the danger, Moraa says she remains focused on staying safe and hopeful for stability.
“It makes me scared because this is a real war.”
Her story highlights the vulnerability of Kenyan professionals working abroad, especially in regions experiencing political instability.
It also raises important questions:
- Should Kenyan authorities offer evacuation support for athletes in conflict zones?
- Are Kenyan clubs doing enough to insure and protect players abroad?
- Would you return home immediately — or stay and wait it out?
As tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate, many Kenyans are watching closely, concerned for their compatriots caught in the crossfire.
What Do You Think?
Should Janet Moraa return home immediately?
Should Kenya’s government intervene to ensure her safety?
Share your thoughts.