Ruto gives out Ksh42M to honour promise to each Harambee Stars player
By Arnold Ngure, August 4, 2025President William Ruto has made good his promise of Ksh1 million to each of the players of the Harambee Stars after their win against DRC on Sunday, August 3, 2025.
Confirming the disbursement of the funds on Monday, August 4, 2025, State House spokesperson Hussein Mohamed stated that the funds have been availed to the players, including members of the technical bench.
“President William Ruto has fulfilled his commitment to pay KSh1 million each to all 27 Harambee Stars players and 15 members of the technical bench, a total of KSh42 million, following the national team’s 1-0 win over the DRC on Sunday,” Mohamed said.
Disbursed funds
“The Sports ministry disbursed the funds, and a similar reward awaits the team after Thursday’s game against Angola.”
Ruto had assured the players that the funds would be disbursed to their accounts on Monday, August 4, 2025.
The president, who made a surprise visit to the players in the locker room after the match, announced the hefty bonus, instructing Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed to collect the funds on behalf of the team.
“Na si sasa kila mtu ako na milioni moja,” Ruto said to the visibly elated players. “Kesho asubuhi, Hussein, nipitie pale State House uchukue mali ya hawa vijana.”
The Head of State commended the team for their discipline and performance, singling out Austin Odhiambo, whose first-half strike sealed the win for Kenya.
Austin Odhiambo’s lone goal
“You did very well,” Ruto said. “Thank you Bwana Austin kwa kutupea bao la kipekee.”
Harambee Stars kicked off their CHAN 2024 campaign in style with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over DR Congo at a packed Kasarani Stadium on Sunday evening, August 3, 2025.
The match-winner came in the first half from Austin Odhiambo, the creative playmaker from Gor Mahia, who fired home after a slick move in the additional half-time minutes.
Austin danced through DR Congo’s defence before slotting home a nicely worked shot at the bottom corner.
The Group A clash, played in front of a lively crowd, saw Kenya claim all three points thanks to Odhiambo’s composed finish in the 45+2 minute. He latched onto a clever pass from David Sakwa and calmly guided a left-footed shot beyond DR Congo goalkeeper Brudel Efonge.