Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has promised to give Harambee Stars Sh500,000 each after beating Harambee Stars.
On Sunday, Harambee Stars edged Zambia 1–0 in a tense African Nations Championship (CHAN) Group A match at Kasarani Stadium.
The decisive goal came in the 75th minute and ignited a wave of cheer among fans.
The former Prime Minister had accompanied the President to the changing room when he met the players after the game.
The President had promised to award each player with Sh2.5 million if they beat Zambia in the Sunday match.
Raila said he will add Sh500,000 to each player to accompany what the President had promised.
“I decided to come and say Hongera. We were all worried that if you draw or loose you were going to play out of Nairobi and we want you to play infant of our fans here,” he said.
“I will add to what the President has promised. I will give you Sh500,000 each.”
Raila thanked the players for putting their best foot forward and uniting the country through the celebrations.
Striker Ryan Ogam, with calm composure, converted a precise pass from Boniface Muchiri before drilling a low finish past goalkeeper Charles Kalumba.
The goal sealed Kenya’s top spot in the group and ensured a quarter-final tie at home against Madagascar.
Ruto congratulated the Harambee Stars after their victory against Zambia in the African Nations Championship (CHAN), describing the win as a moment of national pride.
In his message, Ruto said the team had defied all odds despite being drawn in what was widely described as the “Group of Death.”
“At the beginning of the CHAN tournament, no one gave our Harambee Stars a chance of going past the group stages. After all, we were in the so-called ‘Group of Death.’ Yet, our boys have triumphed,” he stated.
Ruto said the victory was more than just a football result, emphasizing its unifying effect on the country. He pointed out that the team’s success had brought joy to millions of Kenyans and reminded the nation of the value of resilience.
“Congratulations, Harambee Stars! You have done the nation proud, inspired immense joy, and united our country in celebration. Now, march forward and conquer the continent. Do not settle for less — just as we, as a nation, must never settle for anything less than glory,” Ruto declared.
"As for me — nitacheza kama mimi. After all, dawa ya deni ni kulipa."
