CS Ruku urges all public servants to wear Harambee Stars jerseys in August

Public Service CS Geoffrey Ruku has urged public Servants to wear Harambee Stars jerseys to show patriotism.

He said public servants across the country who are able to purchase the jerseys should wear them from Monday, August 4, until the finals of the African Nations Championship.

The CS added that the move will unite the country, boost morale, and show patriotism as Kenyans.

“Our country is privileged to host a continental occasion at Kasarani. Kenya has been privileged to host all African nations for CHAN,” he said on Sunday during a church service.

“For us to support our national team, I ask all public servants across the country to support our team, to be patriotic in supporting Harambee Stars, we can support our team for this month of August by wearing the Harambee Stars jersey in our offices for the month of August.”

He said the this applies to public servants who are able to buy the Harambee Stars jerseys.

CS Ruku, however, said it exempts the police and military officers, urging all public servants, including those from the Judiciary Commission, constitutional commissions, and the ministries, to feel free to wear Harambee Stars jerseys in their offices.

He said that wearing the jerseys during CHAN will motivate and show a winning spirit to the national team.

“We must be patriotic as Kenyans and as public servants. I am calling upon all the public servants from the president, to the deputy president, Cabinet Secretaries, ministries and county governments, let us wear the jerseys from tomorrow all the way to the finals to ensure our team reaches the finals,” he added.

“We shall all be united as Kenyans without a tribe, political affiliations, or religious affiliations, but as people of Kenya.”

According to the Public Officer Ethics Act, public servants shall maintain an appropriate standard of dress and personal hygiene.

On Sunday evening, 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.