Bahati urges Ruto to reward Harambee Stars players with affordable houses
By Valerian Khakayi, August 22, 2025Kenya’s multitalented musician and digital content creator, Kevin Kioko, widely known as Bahati, has joined the wave of praise for Harambee Stars for their spirited performance and narrow defeat by Madagascar at the ongoing 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
Taking to his official Instagram account on Friday night, August 22, 2025, Bahati congratulated the team for making history and called on President William Ruto to reward the players with affordable houses.
According to the Diana hitmaker, the players had brought pride to the country and deserved recognition beyond words of praise.
“Congratulations, Champs, for this Far. Now Let’s Talk to H.E. The President Vijana Wapate 2 Bedroom affordable Housing for Making History Good Job Stars!!!,”Bahati said.
Bahati’s promise
Even though Bahati is urging the president to reward the team with affordable houses, which he had promised them, it is remembered that Bahati himself has not fulfilled the promise he made to the team if they defeated Morocco.
Taking to his official Instagram account, Bahati revealed that he would carry Ksh one million to the stadium and, together with Diana, present it directly to the players immediately after their victory.
“We are doing something very special, my wife and I. We will bring this 1 million to the stadium if they beat Morocco because we must qualify by any means necessary. If they beat them, we will enter the stadium with this money. This money is not for management or anyone else; it will go directly to the players. So if you beat Morocco, do not embarrass us. Those Moroccans act all fancy; it will be courtesy of us. Harambee Stars, you are ours,” Bahati said.
Harambee Stars match
The national team bowed out of the 2024 CHAN after a tense quarterfinal match against Madagascar at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
The match ended 1-1 in regulation and extra time, forcing a dramatic penalty shootout, which the Malagasy team won 4-3.
Kenya missed two spot kicks through Mike Kibwage and Omija as the islanders progressed to the semis in their third tournament. Madagascar’s goalkeeper Michel Ramandimbisoa was instrumental, saving crucial spot-kicks and ensuring his team’s passage to the semifinals.
Harambee Stars started the game strongly, dominating midfield play and creating several scoring opportunities. Boniface Muchiri, Suleiman Manzur Okwaro, Ben Stanley Omondi, and Ryan Ogam linked up with neat passing combinations in the first half but were repeatedly blocked by Madagascar’s organised backline.