Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has offered to sponsor at least 500 football fans for the next three Harambee Stars matches in the African Nations Championships.
Kalonzo, like millions of other Kenyans, was tuned in on Sunday, August 3, as the Kenyan national team took on the Democratic Republic of Congo in their Group A opener.
Gor Mahia playmaker Austine Odhiambo’s solitary goal in the first half was enough to give Harambee Stars a much-needed win, with leaders from the two sides of the Kenyan political divide coming together on social media with a common congratulatory message to the national team.
While Kalonzo was not present at the Moi International Sports Complex, the Wiper boss shared images and videos of himself catching the action while cheering the Harambee Stars alongside other dignitaries.
In the wake of the victory, Kalonzo incentivised football fans for the Harambee Stars’ next games, offering to purchase tickets for the fans through a federation of which he was a patron.
“Football is a universal language that brings people together, regardless of their backgrounds, beliefs, or political affiliation. I'm sponsoring 500 fans to attend the next three CHAN Harambee Stars matches at Kasarani through the Kenya Football Fans Federation (KEFOFA), of which I am the patron,” Kalonzo announced.
In Kasarani, Harambee Stars enjoyed the support of tens of thousands of football fans, who made their way to the grounds as early as 11 am on Sunday, August 3.
By kickoff, fans were still streaming in amid heavy security checks, with the stadium nearing full capacity by the time the Harambee Stars went into the break with a 1-0 lead.
Harambee Stars’ next game is on August 7, where Benni McCarthy’s side will take on Angola in a tricky fixture. This game will be followed by arguably the toughest game in Group A, against Morocco on August 10.
Kenya’s final group game will be against Zambia on August 17, with all of Harambee Stars’ home matches set to take place at the newly revamped Moi International Sports Centre.
Besides Kalonzo, other leaders allied to the opposition also took the chance to congratulate the Harambee Stars, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who posted, X; “Congratulations, Harambee Stars, on your 1-0 win in the opening CHAN Match against DR Congo at Kasarani.”
Prior to kick-off, President William Ruto also got into the CHAN spirit by offering a string of incentives to motivate the Harambee Stars to put up a decent performance in the competition.
One of the most significant promises from the President was a Ksh1 million cash reward to each Harambee Stars player for each game they win in the 19-team tournament.
