Irungu Nyakera dismisses critics linking Gachagua to Harambee Stars’ CHAN exit
Nairobi patron for the Democracy for Citizens’ Party (DCP), Irungu Nyakera, has come to the defence of his party leader, Rigathi Gachagua, after critics linked Gachagua’s return to Kenya to the national football team’s painful exit from the African Nations Championship (CHAN).
In a statement shared on his X account on Saturday, August 23, 2025, Nyakera dismissed claims that Gachagua’s return brought bad luck. He urged the public instead to focus on whether President William Ruto’s promise of KSh 2.5 million per player was actually paid.
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“Fitina tu. We need to verify if the last 2.5 was paid,” Nyakera stated.
His sentiments come shortly after Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma implied that Gachagua’s homecoming had coincided with a shift in the team’s fortunes. Kaluma suggested that the national team had been recording impressive victories until Gachagua arrived back in the country.
Harambee Stars’ painful exit
Kenya’s journey in the CHAN tournament ended heartbreakingly at Moi Sports Centre, Kasarani. The Harambee Stars were knocked out in the quarterfinals after a tense 1-1 draw with Madagascar, eventually losing 4–3 in a penalty shootout. Kenyans watched with pride as Alphonce Omija gave the hosts the lead early in the second half, only for Madagascar to equalise from the spot in the 66th minute. In the shootout, Madagascar held their nerve while Kenya faltered under pressure.
Kenya entered the quarterfinals unbeaten, topping a tough group that included former champions Morocco, DR Congo, and Zambia. It was a historic debut for the country at CHAN and raised hopes across the nation.
Amid the excitement of their run, President William Ruto had sweetened the incentive. He promised each player Ksh2.5 million if they beat Zambia in their final group-stage match, up from an earlier offer of Ksh1 million. In addition, he offered each player a two-room house under the Affordable Housing Programme.
So far, the rewards have been substantial. The players walked away with Ksh1 million each for defeating Morocco, another Ksh1 million each for beating DR Congo, and Ksh 500,000 each for a draw with Angola. That brought their total to Ksh2.5 million each at that point. This means they stood to earn even more with further wins, although the taxing nature of such government-issued rewards remains a matter of legal interpretation.
Political tempers have flared alongside football drama. Rigathi Gachagua’s return on Thursday, 21 August 2025, was marked by chaotic scenes at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where police fired teargas as his supporters clashed with officers.
A planned rally at Kamukunji Grounds failed to occur after Gachagua did not make an appearance. The following day, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen ordered investigations into the violence that marred the former Deputy President’s homecoming.
