Passaris hails Ruto, Raila’s unity in turning Harambee Stars into millionaires
By Kiprono Keileb, August 18, 2025Nairobi County Woman Representative Esther Muthoni Passaris praised President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga for jointly celebrating the Harambee Stars, saying their gesture demonstrated national unity through sports.
Passaris, in a statement posted on her official X account on Monday, August 18, 2025, said the joint recognition by the two leaders had not only rewarded the players but also lifted the spirit of the entire country.
“Following Harambee Stars’ emphatic victory over Zambia, Raila Odinga has pledged Ksh500,000 to each player, a gesture of immense appreciation for their stellar performance.
Coupled with President William Ruto’s earlier commitment of Ksh2.5M, these rewards underscore the nation’s deep pride and unwavering support for our football heroes.
Kenya stands united behind Harambee Stars as they march toward continental glory. Let the momentum soar!” Passaris posted.
Her statement comes in the wake of Harambee Stars’ stunning victory over Zambia, a performance that has reignited hope in Kenya’s football ambitions and drawn admiration from both political leaders and fans across the nation.
By highlighting the pledges made by President Ruto and Raila Odinga, Passaris framed the moment as one that goes beyond sports, touching on national cohesion. The dual recognition, she noted, symbolised a rare instance where Kenya’s political heavyweights rallied behind a common cause, reflecting the pride and joy shared by millions of Kenyans.
Her emphasis on unity speaks to the long-standing belief that football remains one of the strongest forces for social cohesion in the country. In her remarks, Passaris emphasised the importance of building on the momentum generated by the Harambee Stars’ performance and the symbolic show of unity by the leaders, noting that such moments should be harnessed to inspire pride, strengthen cohesion, and keep the national spirit alive beyond the celebrations.
The Nairobi Woman Rep also underscored the financial impact of the pledges, describing the players as millionaires, a term she used to highlight how talent and discipline on the pitch can transform lives. For many Kenyans, the monetary rewards also represent long-overdue recognition of the sacrifices made by athletes in raising the national flag.
As Harambee Stars continue their continental journey, Passaris’ message mirrors the aspirations of a nation eager to reclaim its place in African football. Her call for unity through sport comes at a time when Kenyans are yearning for positive stories that cut across political divisions and bind the country together.
With leaders across the spectrum celebrating the team’s win, Passaris’ statement captured the mood of a nation where football is not just a game, but a unifying force.