Kenya vs DRC: President Ruto Tells Harambee Stars Players When They Will Get KSh 1 Million
- President William Ruto gave instructions on when Harambee Stars players will receive their bonuses
- The players won KSh 1 million each after beating DR Congo in their first game of CHAN 2024 at Kasarani Stadium
- Ruto asked the players to maintain the same trajectory ahead of their second game against Angola on Thursday
President William Ruto vowed to fulfil his promise to Harambee Stars players following their heroic victory over DR Congo on Sunday, August 3.
Source: Twitter
The Kenyan men's national football team beat their opponents 1-0 to begin their African Nations Championship (CHAN) campaign on a high note.
How Harambee Stars beat DR Congo
Thousands of Kenyans turned up to support the team at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
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Ruto was joined by CAF President Patrice Motsepe, former prime minister Raila Odinga and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, among other key dignitaries.
DR Congo started the better of the teams, with the two-time champions finding the back of the net inside five minutes. The goal was, however, chalked off after a VAR review.
Harambee Stars later found their feet in the game. Alpha Onyango and Manzur Suleiman controlled the midfield as they allowed the main creative spark, Austine Odhiambo, to find spaces in between.
It was Odhiambo who scored the only goal of the game, just before halftime, to send the stadium crazy.
The goal was not only to secure vital three points for Benni McCarthy's team, but also to make them the new millionaires in town, thanks to President Ruto's promise.
When will Harambee Stars players receive money from Ruto?
The head of state had hosted the team for a breakfast meeting on Saturday morning, where he promised to award them with KSh 1 million each for every win and KSh 500,000 for every draw.
He visited the players in the dressing room after the game, where he congratulated them on the hard-fought win. The president also had special praise for Odhiambo, thanking him for taking Kenya over the line.
Source: Getty Images
On when they will receive the money, the UDA party leader asked Football Kenya Federation president Hussein Mohammed to collect the money for the players on Monday, August 4, at 8am.
"Keep it up, this is a good beginning. Thank you bwana Odhis kwa kutupatia io bao. I want you to keep the spirit high. The whole country is behind you," he said.
"Now, everyone here has one million each. The FKF President should pick it up tomorrow morning (Monday). This is how we will operate: if you get good results, I pay."
Ruto also issued a rallying call to the players to maintain the same tempo ahead of their next game against Angola on Thursday.
"On Thursday, we have another big game. Keep the focus, go out strongly. We are all behind you. You did a good job."
Ruto promises affordable housing units to Harambee Stars players
At the same time, Ruto promised to give the players some of the units in the affordable housing program after a request from goalkeeper Farouk Shikhalo.
The Bandari goalkeeper had previously hilariously introduced himself to the president as Farouk Kibet, his personal aide.
Kalonzo Musyoka promises free tickets to fans
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka also promised to sponsor 500 fans to attend the next three Harambee Stars games at CHAN 2024.
Kalonzo accused the government of buying tickets in bulk to prevent real fans from accessing the tickets.
"Football is a universal language that brings people together, regardless of their backgrounds, beliefs, or political affiliation. Thus, this regime's wholesale ticket buying, which denies genuine football fans the opportunity to see their #HarambeeStars, should be condemned," he said on his X account.
"I'm sponsoring 500 fans to attend the next three #CHAN2025 Harambee Stars matches at Kasarani through the Kenya Football Fans Federation (KEFOFA). Football is for everyone. affiliations."
Comparing Ruto's to Samia Suluhu's pledges
In a different story, both Ruto and his Tanzanian counterpart, Samia Suluhu, pledged lofty bonuses to their teams at CHAN 2024.
Tanzania started their campaign by beating Burkina Faso 2-0 before Harambee Stars followed suit on Sunday.
The players of both teams stand to gain handsomely from the bonuses of their presidents.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
