Maraga, Ruto, Raila join thousands at Kasarani to support Harambee Stars
By Mabonga Makhanu, August 17, 2025Former Chief Justice and presidential hopeful David Maraga joined Kenyans at Kasarani Stadium on Sunday, August 17, 2025, to watch the Kenya vs Zambia match.
Maraga said his attendance was driven by his love for the country and the game. He was seen seated among ordinary fans, wearing a Kenyan jersey as the Harambee Stars faced off with the Zambian side. His presence among the crowd stood out as a show of solidarity with the supporters.
Other leaders were also in attendance. President William Ruto and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah were present at the VIP section, seated alongside other dignitaries. Unlike them, Maraga chose to sit with the public.
The former prime minister has also joined the march and was seen seated close to the president as they watched the national team do its best.
Several Members of Parliament were also spotted at the stadium, including Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba, and Mumias East MP Peter Salasya, among other prominent political figures.
The highly anticipated match attracted a large turnout, with fans and leaders alike coming together to support the national team.
The match
The match has now reached half-time, with them locking horns with both keepers. Accepting no goals to pass through, the 45 min stalemate has ended with both teams ending up the first half at nil.
The Harambee Stars, already assured of a quarter-final place, began brightly with captain Abud Omar pushing high and Austin Odhiambo dictating midfield play. However, despite long spells of possession and several half-chances, Kenya have been unable to break down a compact Zambian defence.
Zambia, already eliminated, has offered little going forward but remains disciplined, frustrating the home side and their supporters. Coach Benni McCarthy will be urging his players to find more cutting edge in the second half as they chase the victory that would secure top spot in the group.
It’s a huge task for the Kenyan team since, should they win this, they are assured of Ksh2.5 million to each player from the president. The president had already delivered earlier promises made to them in their past wins against Morocco, Congo and Angola. Now it’s a matter of wait and seeing if they manage to take home the pack promised to them by the president.