Harambee Stars winger Boniface Muchiri has been promoted to the rank of corporal following his outstanding display for the national soccer team, Harambee Stars, in the African Nations Championship games.

The Chief of the Defence Forces (CDF), General Charles Kahariri, presided over Muchiri’s promotion this Wednesday, August 27, 2025, in what was a fitting reward for excellence in both the service and beyond.

Senior private to Corporal

The new ranks were conferred by the General Officer Commanding Eastern Command, Major General Luka Kutto.

“Chief of the Defence Forces (CDF), General Charles Kahariri, today presided over the promotion of Harambee Stars player and Ulinzi Stars Football Club Captain, Senior Private Boniface Muchiri, to the rank of Corporal in recognition of his outstanding performance at the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN),” a statement from KDF confirmed.

In his remarks, General Kahariri congratulated Corporal Muchiri for his exemplary discipline, commitment, and excellence on both national and international stages.

“We are very grateful for your commitment, hard work, and excellent performance while serving Kenya and, by extension, the KDF. We wish you success in future assignments and are confident you will continue to excel,” said the CDF.

His comes after Harambee Stars’ Abud Omar on more than one occasion pleaded Muchiri’s case to President William Ruto following his visits to the team during the CHAN 2027 games.

Abud’s push for Muchiri’s promotion

In one of the meet-ups, Omar was overheard passing the message to the president, to which Ruto noted that he would look into the matter.

“We also have one of our own who is a soldier, and we would like you to look into his matter (promotion),” Omar told the president.

In a show of commitment and hard work, Muchiri has been a key figure of Kenya’s team in the ongoing CHAN games, hogging the headlines with his tenacious display from the flanks.

He claimed two assists as Kenya crashed out of the tournament in the knockout stages following a penalty shootout loss to Madagascar.