Changing room breaks into cheers as Ruto, Raila visit Harambee Stars after win
By Mabonga Makhanu, August 17, 2025Harambee Stars players broke into cheers after President William Ruto and the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga visited them in the dressing room.
The visit came after their historic win against their Zambian counterparts, a victory that saw them lead the group stage, as they now turn their focus on the quarter-final.
Upon the president’s visitation, while the players were dressing up post-match, they were delighted as he, in his jovial manner, told them, “Mmecheza kama nyinyi pia mimi nitacheza kama mimi.“
This was meant to mean that since the players had done their best and won, he would deliver his promise of Ksh2.5 million per player. After this statement, the whole room erupted into cheers.
He went on to congratulate the team, commending their wonderful show and expressing happiness that the entire nation was behind them. He reminded them that Kenyans from the streets, the farms, and everywhere were supporting them, thanking the players for lifting the country and its status very high.
“Congratulations, guys, this is a wonderful show, and we are truly happy, the nation is supporting, I told you Kenyans are supporting from all over the streets the farms everywhere and thank you for lifting our country and status very high”, Ruto said.
After finishing his speech, the players demanded that Raila address them. With joy on his face palpable, Raila, in his signature style, proceeded with vijana hoiyee, and the players responded with energy.
He thanked them for the good match played and their win, sealing a memorable evening for Harambee Stars.
Earlier message
Earlier on, the president had expressed his joy, stating that at the beginning of the CHAN games, few believed the Harambee Stars could advance past the group stages. The team was placed in the so-called “Group of Death,” yet, under his watchful encouragement, they defied the odds to finish top of the group and secure a place in the quarter-finals.
“At the beginning of the CHAN tournament, no one gave our Harambee Stars a chance of going past the group stages. After all, we were in the so-called “Group of Death.” Yet, our boys have triumphed.” Ruto stated,
Ruto celebrated the players for conquering some of the continent’s football giants, noting that their determination reflects the broader vision he has consistently shared for Kenya: a nation built on belief, ambition, courage, and hard work.