When Kenya joined hands with Tanzania and Uganda to co-host the African Nations Championship (CHAN), many dismissed it as a pipe dream.
After all, the tournament had already been postponed twice—and critics were quick to bet against Kenya’s readiness.
Pundits scoffed at the pace of preparations. Some even seemed to cheer when a group stage match was moved to Zanzibar, citing delays by the local organizing committee and government. Skepticism was high, faith was low.
But halfway through the tournament, the doubters have been silenced—and President William Ruto is at the center of this remarkable turnaround.
From skepticism to national pride, President Ruto has managed to rally a deeply divided country around one cause: supporting Harambee Stars. Political slogans like “Ruto Must Go” or “Wantam” have been drowned out by cheers and chants from united fans.
The tribal divisions that often define our politics have, at least for now, taken a back seat.
And it all started with football.
After Harambee Stars’ thrilling victory over two-time CHAN champions Morocco at a packed Kasarani Stadium, President Ruto made a bold promise: a KSh 2.5 million cash reward for each player—if they beat Zambia in their final Group A match.
They did—and the President kept his word.
Even former Prime Minister Raila Odinga joined in, rewarding each player with KSh 500,000. The spirit of unity and national pride soared.
Meeting the team at a Nairobi hotel, Ruto doubled down on his support, promising even greater rewards should the Stars progress further in the tournament.
“I am here to fulfill my promise. We agreed—if you do your part, I will do mine,” Ruto told the players.
And the stakes got higher.
- Beating Zambia: Ksh2.5 million
- Quarterfinal win: KSh 1 million and a two-bedroom house.
- Semifinal win: Another KSh 1 million and a three-bedroom house.
- Winning the trophy? Ruto says they’ll sit down together and “agree on something bigger.”
Beyond rewards, it’s the unity and optimism that have captured the nation. For once, Kenyans are not talking politics or tribalism—they’re rallying behind a team that represents them all.
This tournament has also thrown a spotlight on President Ruto’s broader vision for sports infrastructure.
The Talanta Sports City project is well underway, aiming to be a centerpiece for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Kenya will co-host.
Alongside revamped venues like Kasarani and Nyayo Stadium, the 60,000-seater Talanta Stadium will mark Kenya’s return to continental football in style—just months before the next general elections.
Meanwhile, in Kitui County, the Ithookwe Stadium is also nearing completion, set to host the 2025 Mashujaa Day celebrations.
Bottom Line
President Ruto didn’t just support a tournament—he seized a moment. CHAN has become more than just a football competition; it’s a symbol of unity, promise, and national pride. In a country often divided by politics, the President has struck a powerful chord—with football as the harmony that brought us together.
