How football millionaires have united the country
By Faith Macharia, August 12, 2025For years, Kenyan football has been a passionate but often disappointing arena with little to celebrate. Then there are rival club loyalties, distracting political affiliations, and even regional differences colouring the stands.
Over the last two weeks however, the African Nations Championship (CHAN) has done the unthinkable, uniting the nation in a way hitherto almost exclusively reserved for athletes and bringing Kenyans in a way not seen in nearly four decades.
CHAN is a continental competition designed to give local-based players a chance to showcase their talent. Unlike the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which features star players plying their trade in foreign leagues, CHAN celebrates homegrown talent from domestic clubs.
For Kenya, this means the Harambee Stars squad is made up of players from across the Kenyan Premier League, with six representatives from Gor Mahia, three from Tusker FC and others from clubs nationwide. Before August 2, most were not household names.
The unity that CHAN has sparked is unprecedented. Leaders who rarely share the same stage are now travelling together to support the team. Parliament has organised three buses to ferry MPs to matches at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
Big wins
On Sunday, different political leaders from all divides were cheering as Harambee notched up another herculean win. This time scalping two-time winners and perpetual favourites, Morocco.
Kenyans showed their support by showing up in numbers, producing an electric atmosphere at the stadium. It is not just on weekends; the match against Angola was on a Thursday but was equally packed, with families arriving up to five hours early to secure their spots. For many Kenyans, this is the first time they are experiencing an event of this magnitude since the country last hosted the All-Africa Games in 1987.
Outside their in Upper Hill, fans line up every day of the match to greet players as they depart for matches or return from hard-fought battles.
Harambee Stars stunned DR Congo with a 1-0 win, held Angola to a thrilling 1-1 draw (with a man down from 21st minute), and delivered the shock of the tournament by defeating tournament favourites Morocco by a solitary goal, despite being reduced to 10 men just before half-time. Morocco is the most successful team in CHAN history.
Their victories have united the opposition and the government alike, each singing praises in one accord, despite the political tension that has risen in Kenya over the past year.
“Once again, the resilient, indomitable Kenyan spirit has roared to life at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani! Harambee Stars stood tall, defying the odds to defeat one of the tournament’s giants – Morocco – even after being reduced to 10 men for much of the match,” President Ruto posted on social media.
“A historic victory for our brave #HarambeeStars. You’ve all made us so proud beating Morocco, the most successful team in the #CHAN tournament. Every Kenyan player on the field and on the bench are my #ManOfTheMatch,” Kalonzo Musyoka Wiper party leader posted.
“What a moment to be proud of the Harambee Stars! Congratulations, our team! Once again, you have made our great nation proud! Your win is a win for Kenya. Keep winning! Keep it, Stars! God Bless Kenya!” Rigathi Gachagua also shared.
The government and sponsors have also pledged significant rewards, with the president promising Sh1 million per player for every win, Sh500,000 per player for each draw, Sh60 million for reaching the quarter-finals, and Sh600 million if they lift the trophy.
Yesterday, Ruto promised an additional Sh2.5 million per player if the team wins its Group A fixture against Zambia this Sunday. Additionally, if the team wins the quarter-finals, each player will receive Sh1 million and a two-bedroom affordable housing unit in a location of their choice.
Beyond the financial incentives, CHAN has been a cultural festival where local musicians and DJs have kept fans entertained for hours before kick-off, turning each match into a celebration of Kenyan talent both on and off the pitch.
For a country that has waited 38 years to host a sporting event of this scale, CHAN 2025 is more than a tournament. It is a reminder of what unites Kenya.