Ruto to Kenyans on Chan 2024: Kujeni na mbogi!

President William Ruto speaks to Harambee Stars at the Pullman hotel in Upper Hill, Nairobi, ahead of Sunday's Chan opener against the DRC, August 2, 2025. /FKF

President William Ruto has urged Kenyans to turn up in large numbers and support Harambee Stars as the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) kicks off.

Kenya is co-hosting the month-long tournament with neighbours Tanzania and Uganda.

The opening match of Group B between Tanzania and Burkina Faso is scheduled for Saturday at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

Kenya’s first game will be on Sunday at 3 pm against the Democratic Republic of Congo at the Kasarani Stadium.

Harambee Stars are in Group A alongside Zambia, Morocco, and Angola.

Addressing Kenyans through a selfie video shot inside the Kasarani pitch, Ruto said:

“Kenyans, are you ready for the biggest football celebration in Africa? We are hosting Chan 2024, We've got passion, we've got the players, now we need the 12th man - you! Kuja na mbogi, ama niaje (come with your squad) Harambee Stars all the way.”

He had earlier met the national team in Upper Hill before heading to Kasarani, where he made a rallying call for patriotism and support from fans.

The President also promised a cash reward of Sh600 million should the team win the tournament.

Reaching the semifinals will earn them Sh70 million, while a quarterfinal finish will attract Sh60 million.

In addition, each player will receive Sh1 million for every win and Sh500,000 for every draw.

Meanwhile, the Football Kenya Federation has urged fans to arrive early for the opener to avoid unnecessary delays in getting into the pitch.

Several roads have been closed ahead of Sunday’s sold-out match, and fans may need to make advance travel plans to beat the expected traffic snarl-up along diverted routes.

The tournament runs through to August 30.