President William Ruto sends message of support to Harambee Starlets via phone in State House/STATEHOUSE SCREENGRABPresident William Ruto has sent a passionate message of support to the Harambee Starlets, rallying Kenyans to stand behind the national women’s football team as they return to action at Nyayo Stadium on Friday, October 24, 2025, at 4 p.m.
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.
“Mambo niaje? Masaa ndiyo hiyo, 4 p.m. Mjue Kenya yote imesimama na nyinyi. Nimeeleza Wakenya wote tujimobilise tuje tuwashabikie. Tunataka kutetemesha hii Nyayo Stadium. Wambie hao warembo tumesimama na wao kama mlingoti
(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. We want to shake up Nyayo Stadium. Tell those ladies we are standing with them firmly like a pillar),” the President told the team.
The players, dressed in red sports uniforms, were seated around a round table as a team leader held up the phone so they could all see the Head of State.
Smiling and waving, the team leader, on behalf of the team, responded enthusiastically to the President’s call, acknowledging the show of support.
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.
A win over the two legs will send the Starlets to Morocco 2026, the first edition to feature 16 teams, with the top four earning automatic qualification to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
