Dennis Itumbi/FILE
Head of Creative Economy Dennis Itumbi has now proposed a friendly football clash between Kenya’s Harambee Stars and Tanzania’s Taifa Stars as part of this year’s Jamhuri Day celebrations.
This, he stated, will turn the rivalry between the two countries into an entertaining sporting spectacle.
"As part of Jamhuri Celebrations, I propose a friendly match between Harambee Stars and Taifa Stars. Played Home and Away. Our banter would translate to a good game,” Itumbi wrote.
He also added a regional touch by wishing well to Uganda’s national team as they play today, August 23.
“I pray for the Cranes … they belong to all of us kwa Jumuia.”
The proposal comes at the height of animated online exchanges between Kenyan and Tanzanian fans during the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN).
All three East African countries hosting the tournament qualified for the quarters.
In the build-up to the quarter-finals, reports and memes flooded social media alleging that some Kenyan fans had bought tickets to cheer Morocco against Tanzania, a claim Tanzanian authorities later dismissed.
Tanzania's government spokesperson Gerson Musigwa firmly refuted the claims as false and misleading, assuring Tanzanian supporters that tickets remain available.
He had encouraged Tanzanians to turn out in large numbers to support the national team.
“The game does not involve them, but they have started issues. I want to dispel fears that Kenyans have bought all the tickets. It is not true at all,” Musigwa said.
“Go to the stadium and you will watch the game. Seats are available. They are making noise because they fear us.”
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen also joined the fray chiming in with playful commentary
“I congratulate all Kenyans who have bought Tanzanian tickets. Please make sure you travel and go and support Morocco at Benjamin Mkapa. I like the banter between us … but if they are going to make fun of us … I’ll be very happy if it is Kenya versus Tanzania in the finals in Nairobi.”
After Tanzania's loss, Murkomen struck a softer note, consoling the Taifa Stars and their fans.
"Pole Jirani. Tuko pamoja kwa msimu huu!” he wrote.
