Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has urged the national football team, Harambee Stars, to play with patriotism as they kick off their African Nations Championship (CHAN) campaign against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Speaking in Kabartonjo, Baringo County, Kindiki said he is praying for the team's victory, which he believes would be a win for the entire country.
“Today, our national football team is playing in Nairobi in the CHAN tournament, and I want to take this opportunity to pray for victory for our team. Their win will be the whole country's victory. May they play hard and with patriotism, and may they know that we are behind them no matter what,” he said.
He added that the Rift Valley region has produced many sports personalities, especially in athletics, and that whenever they represent the country, they are seen as Kenyans first.
“In Rift Valley, we have many sports personalities in athletics, people like Kipchoge Keino and Faith Kipyegon, and when they represent the country abroad, all Kenyans are proud. They don’t see a Kalenjin; they see a Kenyan.
“I want to thank the sportsmen and women because they have succeeded where we as politicians have failed. Sports unite the nation. When the players are on the field, regardless of where they come from, what we see is the Kenyan team, Harambee Stars, and when it wins, Kenya wins.”
This marks the first time Kenya is participating in the tournament.
President William Ruto on Saturday announced record-breaking financial incentives ahead of the campaign.
Each player will receive Sh1 million for every win, Sh500,000 for a draw, and the team stands to earn Sh600 million if they win the CHAN title.
Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko also pledged an additional Sh400 million to the team if they lift the trophy, bringing the total potential reward to a staggering Sh1 billion.
