Harambee Stars assistant captain Boniface Muchiri has lauded President William Ruto for the millions in cash bonuses being awarded to the national team after victories, describing the move as a powerful source of motivation for players at the ongoing African Nations Championship, CHAN 2024.

Speaking on a local television show on Sunday, August 17, 2025, Muchiri highlighted the stark contrast between what local football clubs offer and what the national team is currently receiving under the President’s incentive scheme. His sentiments came after Harambee Stars beat Zambia 1-0 to seal Group A top spot at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on Sunday.

Following the victory against Chipolopolo, Harambee Stars players are set to pocket Ksh2.5 million each as winning bonuses, as promised by President William Ruto earlier. Additionally, the team will pocket another Ksh500,000 from former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who made his pledge immediately after the Zambia match.

Following the millions from political leaders as a sign of motivation to the national team, Muchiri compared the humongous amount to the ‘paltry’ thousands Kenyan football clubs pay in terms of winning bonuses. For many years, local football players have been grappling with pay and bonuses issues at the club level.

Motivation

“Our President knows how to motivate. A player thrives on motivation. In our clubs, bonuses never reach this level; you’ll maybe get around Ksh10,000 after every win. But here, one million for 90 minutes? You’ll give your all on that pitch!” he said.

Muchiri noted that the team is fully committed on the pitch and expressed confidence that President Ruto would continue honouring his promise to the players. Apart from the cash rewards, the entire team has been promised self-contained houses as they proceed in the tournament.

“The President promised us, and he is delivering. We have already played our part, and I know tomorrow he will also play his part,” he added.

The President’s gesture has sparked excitement within the team and among the fans, many of whom believe the financial motivation could spur Harambee Stars to deliver consistent performances on the continental and global stage.

With the next fixture against Madagascar in the CHAN 2024 quarter-finals on August 22, 2025, Boniface Muchiri, a key figure in the Harambee Stars team, insists that the squad is determined to rise to the occasion, fueled by both national pride and the backing of the Head of State.