Jalang’o urges Ruto to fulfil promise to Harambee Stars after CHAN win
By Valerian Khakayi, August 3, 2025Lang’ata Member of Parliament (MP) Phelix Odiwour, alias Jalang’o has called on President William Ruto to honour his pledge to reward Harambee Stars with Ksh1 million for every win in the CHAN tournament.
Following Kenya’s 1-0 victory over DR Congo in their opening match at the Kasarani Stadium, Jalang’o took to social media on Sunday, August 3, 2025, to remind the president of his commitment, urging him to act swiftly.
Jalang’o also urged Ruto to prepare approximately Ksh. 50 million to cater for both the team and the technical bench.
“1M each for every win!! Rais panga!! Hii mwezi lazima usote!! Wewe ndio ulisema!! 1M per win! Leo panga kama 50M Team plus technical bench!! Bossy panga!” he said.
The outspoken MP’s message, though laced with humour, reflected the excitement and pride felt by many Kenyans after the national team’s strong start in the CHAN qualifiers. His call also underscored the importance of backing local talent not just with words but with tangible rewards.
Ruto’s promise
Ruto placed a lucrative bonus of Ksh600 million for Harambee Stars if the team makes history by lifting the 8th edition of the 2024 African Nations Championship games.
Speaking after meeting the team this Saturday, August 2, 2025, Rut announced a reward scheme that ties player earnings to the team’s progress. Each member of the Harambee Stars delegation will receive Ksh1 million for every win at CHAN 2024 and Ksh 500,000 for every draw.
“I have revised the Ksh200 M reward for reaching the finals that Salim Mvurya had placed with you. If you reach the final, you will have a cash prize of Ksh600 M. It cannot get better than this. Now it is upon everyone to play their part,” the head of state told the team.
The president’s pledge also included a Ksh60 m reward if the team reaches the quarterfinals and Ksh70 m if they reach the semi-finals of the games.
“For every game you win, every player here gets a million shillings. For every game you draw half a million shillings,” he told the players.
Ruto also outlined a different reward scheme targeting individual players. Every member of the team’s playing unit will receive Ksh1 million for every win and Ksh500 for every draw.
Harambee Stars’s win
This comes after Harambee Stars’ 1-0 victory over DR Congo in the opening match of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers held at Kasarani Stadium.
The match was a tightly contested affair, with Harambee Stars showing composure and discipline throughout.
The lone goal came in the first half from Austin Odhiambo, the creative playmaker from Gor Mahia, who fired home after a slick move in the additional half-time minutes.
Austin danced through DR Congo’s defence before slotting home a nicely worked shot at the bottom corner.
The crowd erupted as Kenya took the lead against one of Africa’s most experienced sides, two-time CHAN champions DR Congo.
The win gives Harambee Stars an early advantage in the qualifiers and renewed hope of progressing further in the tournament.