President William Ruto has called on Kenyans to rally
behind the national women’s football team, the Harambee Starlets,
as they face Gambia in the Africa Women's Cup of Nations (WAFCON)
qualifiers.
The clash will be at Nyayo Stadium on Friday, October 24, 2025, at 4 p.m.
Speaking at State House during the English Premier
League (EPL) Trophy Tour, Ruto urged football fans across the country
to show up and cheer for the Starlets as they represent Kenya on the
continental stage.
“I want to ask every Kenyan, wherever they are, let us show up for our
Starlets at 4 p.m. They will be competing against Gambia, but I believe we have
what it takes to carry the day,” said Ruto.
“Kila mmoja wetu, wherever you are, tujitokeze pale kwa stadium. Let us show
up for our girls. I’m very confident they will make us proud.”
Ruto also reflected on the country’s growing football culture, saying the
arrival of the EPL trophy in Nairobi is a testament to the
country’s deep passion for the sport.
“May this trophy visit remind us that Kenya and Kenyans’ love for football
is boundless, and that with teamwork, resilience, and purpose, greatness and
excellence are within our reach,” he said.
The EPL trophy tour is part of efforts to strengthen football partnerships
and fan engagement in Africa, with Kenya being one of the selected countries to
host the prestigious silverware.
Earlier
on, Ruto had a phone call with the Starlets.
In a video
shared on his social media pages, a visibly elated Ruto is seen speaking to the
team via phone from State House, where he encouraged the players to give their
best and make the country proud.
“How are
you doing? The time is set — 4 p.m. Know that the whole of Kenya is standing
with you. I’ve asked all Kenyans to mobilise and come cheer for you,” he told
the players.
“We want
to shake up Nyayo Stadium. Tell those ladies we are standing with them firmly
like a pillar.”
Ruto went on to add, “Sisi tuko na nyinyi 4 p.m.! Make us proud. We
are right behind you.”
The Harambee Starlets’ return to the pitch marks a renewed chapter for the
team.
Their match at Nyayo Stadium is viewed as a test of both resilience and
national pride, with the President’s encouragement seen as a morale boost.
Meanwhile, Harambee Starlets goalkeeper Lilian Awuor says the team is fully
prepared and motivated to deliver when they face The Gambia in the first leg of
the 2026 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers on Friday at Nyayo
Stadium.
“A win on home ground would be of great importance because, if we qualify,
it will open up opportunities for us,” said Awuor, who plays for Farul
Constanța in Turkey.
“Personally, it’s a good opportunity. It gives you a good name and exposure.
The mood is good, the players have very good qualities and the cohesion is
there. We have shown capability.”
The Beldine Odemba–coached side is seeking a return to the continental stage for the first time since 2016, when Kenya made their WAFCON debut in Cameroon.
