Kenya's moment: Ruto rallies support for Harambee Stars ahead of CHAN opener

President William Ruto has urged Kenyans to turn out in large numbers to support Harambee Stars as they face DR Congo as the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament begins.

Speaking on Saturday, August 2, during a meeting with the national team, Ruto said Harambee Stars are prepared to deliver a win for the country.

“All they need now is your support,” he said, rallying Kenyans to back the team.

“Kenyans, are you ready for the biggest football celebration in Africa? We are hosting CHAN 2024. We have the passion; we have the players, now we need the twelfth man: you. Kuja na mbogi, ama niaje?” said Ruto.

“This is a very historic moment, the first time Kenya is hosting CHAN. We want to make it double historic by winning it. Do we have a deal?”

Cash rewards

President Ruto has promised generous cash rewards for Harambee Stars players based on their performance.

“For every game you win, each player will receive Sh1 million. For every draw, Sh500,000,” Ruto told the team, addressing the captain directly.

The President also announced an increase in the total prize money should the team reach the finals, from Sh200 million to Sh600 million.

Additionally, he said all player benefits had been tripled to motivate them to deliver better results.

“Every win is worth Sh40 million in total. If you reach the quarter-finals, it’s Sh60 million. At the semis, Sh70 million, and if you make it to the finals, Sh90 million…now prepare yourselves,” he said.

Harambee Stars will face DR Congo on Sunday at 3 pm at Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi.

The tournament’s opening ceremony is being held at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Tanzania today, where hosts Tanzania will play Burkina Faso at 8 pm.

Banned items

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has, however, prohibited certain items from entering the stadiums.

Kenyan fans, you will have to leave your beloved vuvuzelas at home. Toilet paper, whistles, weapons, trumpets, horns, balls of any kind, even footballs, bottles, cans of food, and even thermoses are also not allowed.