The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed has attributed Harambee Stars’ strong performance at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) to President William Ruto’s direct involvement.
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In an interview with NTV on Monday, Mohammed said the President’s visits, motivational talks, and financial incentives significantly lifted the team’s spirit, estimating that “50 to 60 percent” of the squad’s success stemmed from his support.
“I completely agree that the President deserves recognition,” Mohammed remarked. “His encouragement and presence make a visible difference—you can even see it in his interactions with the players. At this point, he knows each of them by name.”
He described a close relationship between Ruto and the team, noting that the President frequently engages the players not only on football matters but also on their personal lives and welfare. Mohammed added that Ruto’s words—“Mmecheza kama nyinyi, na mimi sasa nitacheza kama mimi” (You’ve done your part, now I’ll do mine)—have become a powerful motivator, with the Head of State always living up to his promises.
The FKF chief also confirmed that financial pledges made by Ruto were consistently honoured.
“I can confidently say this because I’ve personally witnessed the payments being made,” he said.
Harambee Stars’ recent victory over Zambia sparked nationwide celebrations, with Kenyans hailing their unexpected progress in a tournament where they had been written off early on.
President Ruto himself praised the team’s resilience, saying their success was a source of national pride.
“At the start of CHAN, very few believed we could get past the group of death. Yet our boys have proven themselves,” he said.
