President Ruto keeps promise, splashes Sh42m on Harambee Stars after win over DR Congo

By Dennis Mabuka

Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto has raised the stakes for national team Harambee Stars by honouring his Sh1 million-per-player pledge for each victory after the home team’s opening match against DR Congo at the Kasarani Stadium last Sunday, hoping the gesture will motivate the team ahead of their second match against Angola on Thursday.
During a surprise visit to the team’s residential hotel in Nairobi on Saturday, the Head of State pledged a substantial incentive package to reinvigorate Kenya’s pursuit of continental glory.
According to the President, each player will pocket Sh1 million for every win and Sh500,000 for every draw in the tournament. 

The team’s coaching and backroom staff have also been considered.

Additionally, the team stands to earn Sh60 million for reaching the quarter-finals, Sh70 million for making it to the semi-finals, and a staggering Sh600 million should they clinch the title.

The team went for the millions, edging out Angola 1-0 through Gor Mahia star Austin Odhiambo’s well-crafted goal on Sunday. 
Speaking after making the pledge, President Ruto said: “CHAN 2024 is a moment for Kenya to shine. It’s our chance to showcase the talent of our players, the unity of our people, and the warmth of our hospitality as we proudly co-host this continental tournament.
“This month, there’s only one party: Harambee Stars and our slogan is “Stars Must Win”. Let’s turn out in large numbers and rally behind our national team as they push for victory.”

Stars’ reserve goalkeeper Farouk Shikalo further made an appeal to the President to consider rewarding the players with homes through the government’s affordable housing project, to which the President responded: “Hiyo najua vile nitawapanga” (I know how I will sort you out on this issue).

“We salute Harambee Stars for an outstanding and entertaining display of talent. Your victory today against the Democratic Republic of the Congo is the beginning of what promises to be a historic chapter in Kenyan football,” the President said after the 1-0 win over two-time CHAN champions DRC.

“Thank you, Austin Odhiambo, for sealing the win. We are living up to the rallying cry Stars Must Win. We are behind you all the way,” President Ruto added.

On their part, Football Kenya Federation (FKF) issued a statement to thank President Ruto for taking is time to visit the team ahead of the CHAN. 

“The Football Kenya Federation extends its sincere gratitude to His Excellency Dr William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, for taking time this morning to visit the Harambee Stars camp ahead of their CHAN opener,” read part of the statement from FKF.
“His presence, alongside Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi, and other senior officials, was a strong show of support and encouragement to the team.  

“We remain committed to working closely with the government to elevate Kenyan football and wish the team the very best as they represent the country.”
This year’s CHAN is particularly significant for Kenya, which will be making its debut appearance on home soil. 

The Harambee Stars will have the opportunity to showcase their locally based players in front of home fans, offering a unique chance to connect the national team to the grassroots and domestic leagues that shape them.
All Group A matches will be hosted in Kenya split between Kasarani and Nyayo Stadiums. 

For Kenya, the significance of this moment cannot be overstated as all of Harambee Stars’ group matches will be played at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani—the same venue where Kenya reached the football final of the 1987 All Africa Games.
Kasarani will also host a quarter-final match, the tournament’s final, and the official closing ceremony. 

The symbolism of playing at home, in a familiar stadium steeped in national history, adds an emotional layer to Harambee’s participation.