Ruto rallies Harambee Stars ahead of CHAN showdown

President William Ruto visits Harambee Stars football team training at Moi Sports Centre Kasarani on July 16, 2025. [Courtesy]

President William Ruto has affirmed the government's full support for the national football team, Harambee Stars, in readiness for the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) in August.

Speaking today while visiting the team’s training camp at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, the President said he will do all required to enable them qualify to the tournament.

“You represent the hopes and dreams of every Kenyan from every county, every background, every political side, and every religion. We will support you, we will pray for you, and we will be cheering you on with one voice,” he said.

The President used the opportunity to reaffirm his government’s commitment to the tournament and to sport as a national unifier.

“I promised that we were going to host CHAN for the first time, and it is now happening. Let us win so that we crown it all. I have come here as the President of Kenya to say that we trust and believe in you. We believe in your capacity; we believe in your potential,” Ruto said.

President Ruto further noted that for the country, CHAN 2025 is more than a tournament, it is a chance to make history on home soil.

“As a government, we are committed to this tournament. At a personal level, I am committed to it. And as Kenyans, we will rally ourselves to stand behind you,” said Ruto.

Ruto also challenge the team to make use of the opportunity to fly the country’s flag high.

“Captain, we must win. There are other things that we will discuss later. I will do something for you,” he stated.

With less than a month before the start of the games, Kenya’s preparations are nearing completion.

President William Ruto engage Harambee Stars players at Moi Sports Centre Kasarani on July 16, 2025. [Courtesy]

The President was accompanied by Cabinet Secretaries Salim Mvurya (Sports) and Soipan Tuya (Defence), as well as Webuye West MP Dan Wanyama, he inspected the stadium one of the venues for the continental tournament.