Ruto vows to deliver Ksh1M to each Harambee Stars player by morning
By William Muthama, August 3, 2025Harambee Stars players will receive Ksh1 million each on Monday, August 4, 2025, as a reward for their 1-0 victory over DR Congo in a CHAN 2024 opening match held on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
President William Ruto, 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.
“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.”
Pledges beyond match
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.”
Boost for morale
FKF President Hussein Mohammed, who stood by as Ruto addressed the players, nodded in agreement and thanked the President for the unwavering support.
The Harambee Stars’ next game is expected to draw even greater attention, with both pride and substantial monetary incentives on the line.
As the celebrations carried on, the players’ chants echoed through the tunnel — a blend of patriotism and the joy of reward. Monday’s payout marks a new era of government-backed motivation in Kenyan football.
Kenya now tops Group A and will face Angola in their next fixture. The players are set for a light recovery session before resuming full training on Tuesday.