William Ruto Promises to Consider Harambee Stars Players in Affordable Housing Plan: "Nitawapanga"
- President William Ruto made an unexpected offer to Harambee Stars players after their opening CHAN 2024 win
- A player's bold request for affordable housing sparked a light moment with the head of state
- The team is now eyeing Angola as Ruto promises cash rewards and national backing going forward
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TUKO.co.ke journalist Harry Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya
A hard-fought win over DR Congo in Kenya’s opening match of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) brought more than just pride to Harambee Stars.
Source: Twitter
The national team received direct praise, promises and pledges from President William Ruto, who was among the high-profile guests at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
Kenyan forward Austin Odhiambo scored the decisive goal, helping the team collect three crucial points in the group stage.
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The performance thrilled fans, many of whom were cheering loudly from the stands, including Ruto, former prime minister Raila Odinga and CAF President Patrice Motsepe.
Will Harambee Stars players get affordable houses?
Following the match, the president visited the players in their dressing room to congratulate them on their efforts.
During the interaction, reserve goalkeeper Faruk Shikhalo made a polite yet bold request, asking Ruto to consider including them in the Affordable Housing Programme currently being rolled out across the country.
The request was met with a warm response. Ruto assured the team he would look into the matter, telling them he already had an idea on how to organise housing for them under the programme.
The exchange was met with applause and cheers from the excited players.
How much money will Harambee Stars players earn?
Earlier last week, Ruto had hosted the team for a breakfast meeting where he announced financial incentives for their performance in the tournament.
Each player would receive KSh 1 million for every win and KSh 500,000 for every draw. This, he said, was a way of appreciating their efforts and motivating them to keep pushing.
To fulfil the pledge, the president instructed Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president Hussein Mohammed to collect the funds on behalf of the players. The cash collection was scheduled for Monday, July 4, at 8 am.
Ruto encouraged the players to remain focused and consistent, noting that the next fixture against Angola would be just as important.
Source: Getty Images
Did government hoard CHAN tickets?
In a related development, reports from national dailies on Monday, August 4, focused on the controversial ticketing situation surrounding the Harambee Stars’ CHAN match.
While online platforms showed that tickets were sold out, large parts of the 48,000-capacity venue remained visibly empty during the game.
Sources revealed that government officials and individuals linked to the Kenya Kwanza administration allegedly bought large volumes of tickets in advance.
This move reportedly locked out many genuine fans who had tried to access the match through regular ticketing channels.
Leaked memos showed that security agencies were quietly asked to mobilise personnel to fill seats during the matches.
The move is believed to have been driven by fears that some attendees might use the CHAN event to voice anti-government sentiments.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
