Harambee Stars players request Ruto for affordable housing after DRC win

Arnold Ngure 04th August, 2025 03:41 AM

Harambee Stars players have requested President William Ruto to consider offering them units in the Affordable Housing Programme.

Speaking after thrashing DRC 1-0 at the Kasarani Stadium on Sunday, August 3, 2025, Harambee Stars’ goalkeeper Faruk Shikhalo urged Ruto to remember them in the allocation of houses.

“Mimi kama Faruk niko na ombi moja, hizi nyumba za affordable housing; utukumbuke,” Shikhalo stated.

(My one request is that you consider us in the allocation of affordable housing units.)

Ruto to look into it

In his response, Ruto promised that he would organize how the players’ requests could be possible.

“Mimi najua vile nitawapanga. Hapo kwa affordable, nitawapanga na hapo,” Ruto said.

President William Ruto engages with Harambee Stars players in the locker room after their win against DRC on August 3, 2025, at the Kasarani Stadium. PHOTO/https://web.facebook.com/williamsamoei

(I know how I will make that possible; the issue of affordable housing units. I will make that possible.)

Ksh1 million each

The assurance comes after President William Ruto promised to award the players Ksh1 million each for the win over DRC in their opening match in Group A.

“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.

“You did very well,” Ruto said. “Thank you Bwana Austin kwa kutupea bao la kipekee.”

President William Ruto shares a light moment with Harambee Stars players in the dressing room after their 1-0 CHAN win over DR Congo at Kasarani Stadium on Thursday, August 1, 2025. PHOTO/@Williamsruto/X

Sunday’s locker room surprise follows Ruto’s earlier pledge to reward the national team handsomely throughout the CHAN campaign. In addition to the Ksh600 million set aside for football, the President had promised Ksh1 million per player for every win and Ksh500,000 for every draw during the tournament.

He also vowed to pay Ksh60 million if the team reaches the quarterfinals, and Ksh70 million for a semifinal finish.

“We’re building a winning culture. The government is fully behind you,” Ruto assured. “Play with heart, the nation is watching.”

Next, Kenya will face Angola on Thursday in what promises to be another tough fixture. DR Congo, meanwhile, will be looking to bounce back when they meet Morocco.