Why CHAN is Kenya’s beacon of national unity
By Vincent Voiyoh, July 11, 2025With just 22 days to go before kick-off, Kenya’s Harambee Stars are gearing up to face continental giants in the 2024 African Nations Championship (Chan) in Nairobi, Kampala, Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar.
Harambee Stars will march from the Kasarani Stadium on August 3 to face two-time winners, the Democratic Republic of Congo, on match day two.
That moment will be of great significance to the country as a unifying factor in light of the recent protests in various cities.
Sports CS Salim Mvurya has called on Kenyans from all walks of life to rally behind the team in a show of togetherness and unity of purpose as the boys labour on the pitch in search of glory on home soil.
Unifying Kenya
Speaking after visiting Harambee Stars’ camp at the Kasarani Stadium, Mvurya noted that the Chan tournament provides a gigantic opportunity to knit together a country that has recently been divided politically and ideologically.
“I urge all Kenyans to come together, not just in support of a football team, but in celebration of our unity, national pride and unwavering patriotism. Let us show the world that supporting Harambee Stars goes beyond cheering from the stands; it is a declaration of love for our country, as one people, one flag, one nation. This is our moment, our call to stand together, not just in support of a team, but in celebration of who we are as a people. Let us rise to the occasion with unity, pride and unwavering patriotism,” Mvurya remarked.
Government support
The CS delivered a message of goodwill to the players, tipping them to put on the Kenyan fabric with pride and pledging maximum government support to see them succeed in their debut appearance in the competition.
“To our players, this is your moment! Today, as you head to camp, remember you carry the dreams of more than 50 million Kenyans. When you wear the jersey, wear it with pride, purpose, and patriotism. It is not just fabric, it is the heartbeat of a nation, stitched with resilience, unity, and belief. Representing your country on home soil is a rare privilege. Seize it with everything you’ve got. Compete with honour, and play with heart. When you rise, we all rise. When you fight, we stand with you. You are not alone. You have a nation behind you.”
Harambee Stars began their preparations yesterday under the guidance of coach Benni McCarthy. The team will jet out for Arusha on July 19 for the four-nations build-up tournament that kicks off on July 24.