Ruto fulfils Ksh1M promise to each Harambee Stars player

Arnold Ngure 04th August, 2025 06:02 PM

President William Ruto has made good on his promise of Ksh1 million to each of the players of the Harambee Stars after their win against DRC on Sunday, August 3, 2025.

Confirming the disbursement of the funds on Monday, August 4, 2025, State House spokesperson Hussein Mohamed stated that the funds have been availed to the players, including members of the technical bench.

“President William Ruto has fulfilled his commitment to pay KSh1 million each to all 27 Harambee Stars players and 15 members of the technical bench, a total of KSh42 million, following the national team’s 1-0 win over the DRC on Sunday,” Mohamed said.

A screenshot of the statement by Hussein Mohamed confirming the disbursement of the funds. PHOTO/@HusseinMohamedg/X

“The Sports ministry disbursed the funds, and a similar reward awaits the team after Thursday’s game against Angola.”

Disbursed funds

Ruto had assured the players that the funds would be disbursed to their accounts on Monday, August 4, 2025.

The president, who made a surprise visit to the players in the locker room after the match, announced the hefty bonus, instructing Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed to collect the funds on behalf of the team.

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/@williamruto/X

“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.

Austin Odhiambo’s lone goal

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

Harambee Stars kicked off their CHAN 2024 campaign in style with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over DR Congo at a packed Kasarani Stadium on Sunday evening, August 3, 2025.

The match-winner 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.