KENYA: Raila Pledges Sh500,000 Bonus For Harambee Stars Players After Zambia Victory

By Lisbeth Micheni, Kenya 

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has committed to rewarding each Harambee Stars player with Sh500,000 following their narrow 1–0 triumph over Zambia in the African Nations Championship (CHAN) clash at Kasarani Stadium on Sunday.

The victory, sealed by striker Ryan Ogam in the 75th minute after connecting with a sharp assist from Boniface Muchiri, guaranteed Kenya the top spot in Group A and secured a home quarter-final tie against Madagascar.

Raila, who joined President William Ruto in the team’s dressing room after the game, praised the players for their determination and the joy they had brought to the country.

He added that his pledge was to complement the President’s earlier promise of Sh2.5 million for each player should they overcome Zambia.

“I came here to say congratulations. We wanted you to win so that you could continue playing in front of your home fans, not outside Nairobi,” Raila told the team. “To add to what the President has promised, I will personally give each of you Sh500,000.”

President Ruto also commended the team, hailing their success as a moment of unity and pride for the nation.

He noted that Kenya had overcome the odds in what many had considered the “Group of Death.”

“At the start of this tournament, few believed Harambee Stars would make it past the group stage.

Yet you have proved the doubters wrong,” Ruto said. “This is bigger than football it shows the power of resilience and what we can achieve when we refuse to settle for less.”

He encouraged the players to carry the same spirit into the quarter-finals, emphasizing that their triumph had not only inspired millions of Kenyans but also reminded the country of its strength when united in pursuit of excellence.