Ruto rallies behind Harambee Stars in crucial tie against Morocco
By Mabonga Makhanu, August 10, 2025President William Ruto has encouraged Harambee Stars to deliver and play their part in their face-off with Morocco.
Speaking in Limuru on Sunday, August 10, 2025, the president urged the national team to rise to the occasion and produce the desired results.
He called on players, fans, and himself to each contribute in their own way to ensure the team’s success, noting that when the team scores, the fans celebrate while he fulfils his role in supporting them by delivering on the promise he made to the team.
He also appealed to Kenyans to pray for the team to secure victory in the match.
Reiterating his earlier pledge to reward the team, Ruto confirmed that each player will receive Ksh1 million for every win and Ksh500,000 for every draw. He further stated that he has already fulfilled this promise for the two matches the team has so far won and drawn.
“Kila mtu acheze kama yeye; wale wachezaji wetu Harambee Stars wacheze kama wao; nyinyi mafans Mcheze kama nyinyi, na mimi nitacheza kama mimi. Ndiyo, Harambee Stars iweze kufaulu; wakifunga bao, nyinyi mnashangalia. Mimi ninalipa leo. Mimi naomba nyinyi, Wakenya, tuombee ndugu zetu Harambee Stars ili washinde game ya leo,” Ruto said.
The match
Elsewhere, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has rallied behind Harambee Stars ahead of their decisive African Nations Championship (CHAN) Group A clash against Morocco at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
“I encourage you to secure victory, topping Group A before last-minute VAR drama!” Kalonzo posted on X, on Sunday, August 10, 2025, urging the team to get the job done without leaving qualification hopes hanging by a thread.
The highly anticipated fixture, which kicked off at 3:00 pm, could see Kenya book a historic quarter-final spot in their debut CHAN campaign with just a draw. However, head coach Benni McCarthy has made it clear his side is gunning for all three points, despite facing one of the tournament’s strongest teams.
McCarthy has made a bold statement in his lineup, dropping several established names from the side that drew 1-1 with Angola on Thursday night. Among those benched are captain Omar Aboud, right-back Daniel Sakari, defender Alphonce Omija, and winger Austin Odhiambo, and also missing is midfielder Marvin Nabwire, who was red-carded on Thursday.