Maraga hails Harambee Stars for inspiring unity after CHAN exit
By Mustafa Juma, August 23, 2025Former Chief Justice David Maraga has praised the Harambee Stars for their spirited run in the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, describing their campaign as a source of inspiration and renewed hope for the country.
In a heartfelt statement shared via his official X account following Kenya’s quarter-final exit at the hands of Madagascar on Friday, August 22, 2025, Maraga said the team had demonstrated that with determination, conviction, and hard work, “a new glorious start is possible.”
“Thank you @Harambee__Stars for showing that with determination, conviction and hard work, a new glorious start is possible. Thank you for giving us another reason to believe in our country, to find resolve, to work hard, and to stay on course. Thanks for the spirit of nationalism that you have inspired in us. You have single-handedly united us during a tough period in Kenya,” Maraga stated.
Harambee Stars’ resilience
The retired Chief Justice emphasised that the team’s resilience had gone beyond football, rekindling a sense of patriotism and reminding Kenyans of the importance of integrity and accountability in national institutions.
“We now know that we must rebuild the institutions that anchor our success, through integrity and accountability, and for the joy of accomplishment. Thank you for that spark of excellence,” Maraga said.
He further expressed optimism that the lessons from the CHAN tournament would be carried forward to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027, which Kenya will co-host.
“We shall carry its flame to AFCON and to the places where we all wake up to pursue a win #HarambeeStars,” Maraga wrote on X.
Kenya’s CHAN exit
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.