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Ruto: I’ve delivered the stadiums, now make us proud in 2024 Chan
President WIliam Ruto (left) is welcomed at Harambee Stars training ground by Head coach Benni McCarthy during the team preparations for Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) on July 16, 2025 at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani Annexe ground.
Seated on the Kasarani Annex pitch, donning a Harambee Stars replica red jersey, and holding a black cap in his hands, you would have mistaken President William Ruto for a top-notch football coach on Thursday.
Harambee Stars players were huddled around the Head of State, with Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya by his side, as he spoke in a low tone not unlike a coach plotting victory for his team in a key match.
Ruto’s hawk-eyed security officers kept journalists and his entourage away while the real Harambee Stars coach, Benni McCarthy, opted to kick balls at the empty goalpost.
The President must have been articulating something very important to the players, going by their rapt attention ahead of the delayed 2024 Africa Nations Championship, which Kenya will be hosting jointly with Uganda and Tanzania.
President William Ruto kicks a foot ball during the inspection of the revamped Moi International Sports Centre ahead of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) set for next month.
As he finished his pep talk, President Ruto bowed his head down and said a short prayer.
Moments before that, President Ruto had been introduced to the team. He took time to shake hands with each of the members of the preliminary team that coach Benni McCarthy had called up weeks ago.
“We believe in you. We trust you. We believe in your capacity and potential and we will proudly cheer you to victory,” Ruto told the players afterwards.
“The government is ready to do everything possible so that you perform well. Coach, if there is any issue which can derail and distract this team, please reach out to me individually,” he added as he turned to Coach McCarthy, who nodded in agreement.
President WIliam Ruto after after visiting Harambee Stars training session in preparations for Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) on 16th July 2025 at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani Annexe ground.
Ruto said he was optimistic that a successful Chan will lead to a great African Cup of Nations in 2027, which Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania.
Earlier, the president toured the newly refurbished MISC that was handed over to the Local Chan Organising Committee.
“I have delivered the stadium and Kenya will be hosting Chan for the first time in history. You should now make us proud,” he said.
