Senator Mutinda: Ruto’s perks made Harambee Stars overnight millionaires
By Kiprono Keileb, August 18, 2025Nominated Senator Tabitha Mutinda has praised the Harambee Stars for their spirited performance, noting that the team’s recent achievements demonstrate that talent pays when supported and nurtured.
Speaking during a talk show on a local TV station on Monday, August 18, 2025, Mutinda hailed the role of President William Ruto in motivating the national football team, crediting him for setting the tone in supporting sports in Kenya.
“We are very proud of our team Harambee Stars, big up! It’s an indication that talent pays. The president has also led by ensuring that he motivates our team, Harambee Stars, they are now millionaires in town as we speak,” Mutinda said.
The senator emphasised that Kenyans have rallied behind the team, creating a sense of unity and pride across the country. She described the atmosphere during the recent match as electric, with fans filling the stadium hours before kickoff.
“Kenyans have also come together to support our team. It is positive, and we wish them the best as we proceed. What we saw yesterday, people were already there 5 hours before the match. The match was beautiful yesterday,” she said.
However, Mutinda raised concerns over the security lapses witnessed during the game, saying the breach marred what was otherwise a historic and joyous occasion. She expressed disappointment that the incident resulted in a fine imposed on the Football Kenya Federation (FKF).
“The only disappointment is when the security was breached and all these young people were trying to get in, and FKF had to pay huge sums of fine,” she observed.
According to her, while passion and support from fans are vital, safety and order must be upheld to protect players, fans, and the integrity of the game. She called for stricter adherence to international standards in managing such high-profile events.
“We hope as we proceed forward, all those standards that have been set should be adhered to,” Mutinda stressed.
Her remarks reflect growing recognition of sports as not just a source of entertainment but a key contributor to national pride and economic empowerment. By noting that players have become “millionaires in town,” the senator highlighted how structured investment and leadership support can transform athletes’ lives.
The Harambee Stars’ performance has sparked optimism among Kenyans, with many seeing it as a turning point for sports development in the country. Mutinda’s message combined celebration with a call for accountability, ensuring that while the players continue to shine, the systems around them must also rise to match international expectations.