Harambee Stars captain Aboud Omar: Ruto has united Kenya
By Cynthia Lodite, August 28, 2025Harambee Stars Captain Aboud Omar has expressed heartfelt gratitude to President William Ruto for the unwavering support extended to the national football team during the 2024 CHAN tournament, despite their early exit.
The national football team captain lauded Ruto’s input into the football space while acknowledging that in his 15 years on the team, Harambee Stars has never experienced such incredible support from a head of state.
Omar made his remarks on Friday, August 28, 2025, at the State House in Nairobi, where President William Ruto hosted Harambee Stars football team for lunch.
“Thank you so much, Mr. President. You have supported us. I have been in the national football team for the last 15 years, and we have never gotten such support. Thank you so much,” Aboud said.
Similarly, the Harambee Stars captain further lauded the president for reigniting national unity through sports while adding that Kenyan stadiums are now filled with spectators cheering on football matches.
“You have really united Kenyans; when you go to the stadiums, they are all full because of your hard work, commitment, and support. We thank you,” Omar said.
Ruto honours Stars’ promise
The Harambee Stars captain’s remarks follow President William Ruto’s honour of his promise of Ksh2.5 million in cash rewards for Harambee Stars players following their 1-0 triumph over Zambia on Sunday, August 17, 2025, at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed confirmed the fulfilment of the pledge on Monday, August 18, 2025.
At the time, Mohammed also disclosed that former Prime Minister Raila Odinga delivered on his commitment to reward the Harambee Stars players with KSh500,000 each.
Notably, at the time, the cash incentives brought each player’s total earnings from the clash to Ksh3 million, adding to the financial rewards they had steadily amassed throughout CHAN 2024.
Earlier incentives included payouts following Kenya’s opening wins against DR Congo and Angola, reflecting a pattern of rewarding excellence and consistency on the pitch.