Itumbi proposes Harambee Stars–Taifa Stars friendly for Jamhuri celebrations
By Mustafa Juma, August 22, 2025Head of Presidential Special Projects & Creative Economy and digital strategist Dennis Itumbi has proposed a celebratory football showdown between Kenya’s Harambee Stars and Tanzania’s Taifa Stars as part of this year’s Jamhuri Day festivities.
In a statement shared via his official social media accounts on Friday, August 22, 2025, Itumbi suggested the match should be played on a home-and-away basis to add excitement and deepen regional sporting camaraderie.
“As part of Jamhuri Celebrations, I propose a friendly match between Harambee Stars and Taifa Stars. Played Home and Away. Our banter would translate to a good game,” Itumbi stated.
Kenya-Tanzania football rivalry
The proposal taps into the long-standing football rivalry and friendship between Kenya and Tanzania, two nations whose encounters on the pitch always draw massive fan interest.
Itumbi further extended his goodwill across the region, saying he also prays for Uganda’s national team, the Cranes, whom he described as “belonging to all of us kwa Jumuia (in the Community),” underscoring the importance of East African unity through sports.
“I pray for the Cranes…they belong to all of us kwa Jumuia,” Itumbi added.
Kenya and Tanzania edged out of CHAN
Itumbi’s proposal comes after Kenya’s journey at the African Nations Championship (CHAN) competition came to an end on Friday, August 22, 2025, after a narrow defeat to Madagascar in the penalty shootout, a match that kept fans across the country on edge until the final whistle at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
Kenya’s push for a semifinal spot in only their debut appearance seemed on course after taking an early lead through Alphonce Omija’s opener.
The advantage was, however, cut short after Madagascar equalised after the hour mark, sending the clash to extra time.
The hard-fighting Islanders finally upended Benni McCarthy’s team after regulation time in a tense lottery of penalty kicks, winning 4-3 to advance to the last four.
Morocco also edged out Tanzania 1-0 in a tense quarter-final clash played at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.
The tightly contested encounter on Friday, August 22, 2025, saw both sides struggle to break the deadlock in the opening hour, with chances coming few and far between.
Tanzania, buoyed by a strong fan base, home-ground advantage, and a spirited run in the tournament, matched Morocco in intensity, registering 11 shots compared to their opponents’ nine, though only two found the target.