Nitawapanga! Ruto to Harambee Stars after 1-0 CHAN win

President William Ruto was all smiles when meeting the Harambee Stars team after defeating the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Harambee Stars beat DRC 1-0 during their opening match of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) at Moi Sports Stadium Kasarani.

On Saturday, Ruto announced a Sh600 million reward package for the Harambee Stars if they win CHAN.

The President said the move was aimed to boost morale ahead of the tournament.

“Nitawapanga si mimi ndio Commander?” The President said when he met the players after the game.

(I will sort you, I am the Commander.)

Under the new incentive structure, each player will receive Sh1 million for every match won and Sh500,000 for every draw.

The team will earn Sh60 million if they reach the quarterfinals, Sh70 million for reaching the semifinals, and a record Sh600 million if they lift the trophy.

In an official communication shared by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), the federation confirmed the reward pledge, reiterating the government's support for the team’s CHAN campaign.

“His Excellency Dr William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, visited the Harambee Stars in camp ahead of their #CHAN2024 opener,” the statement read in part.

“He pledged a reward of Sh1 million to each member of the Harambee Stars delegation for every match won at #CHAN2024, and Ksh 500,000 for every draw. Should the team reach the quarterfinals, they will receive Sh60 million; Sh70 million for reaching the semifinals; and Sh600 million should they win the tournament.” 

The federation added that the President also encouraged the team and called on Kenyans to show full support.

The generous package, one of the most substantial in Kenyan football history, signals a new era of government-backed incentives for national teams.

Harambee Stars' Austin Odhiambo fired Kenya into the lead against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in their opening match of the 2024 CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN).

Odhiambo netted the crucial goal in the dying minutes of the first half, igniting wild celebrations among thousands of fans packed into the stadium and millions more watching across the country. 

The goal marked a perfect start for Kenya as they kicked off their Group A campaign in what was billed as a high-stakes showdown against the two-time CHAN champions.