Interior PS Raymond Omollo in Baba Dogo, Nairobi/SCREENGRABInterior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has commended Kenyans for their patriotism and strong support during the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024), which Kenya is hosting for the first time in its history.
Speaking on Friday in Baba Dogo, Nairobi, ahead of the Harambee Stars’ crucial clash against Madagascar at Kasarani Stadium, Omollo praised fans for turning out in large numbers and adhering to security measures put in place to ensure the safety of the tournament.
“They have heeded our call. Tunasema ‘tusichome game’ and that is why we have opened other areas where Kenyans can watch the game. We have a total of 13 fan halls across the city, and we have done the same in other parts of the country,” Omollo said.
The PS noted that the public’s cooperation with security agencies had played a significant role in creating a safe and festive environment for the continental competition.
He revealed that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) had taken note of Kenya’s successful hosting efforts and consequently raised stadium capacity from 60 per cent to 80 per cent ahead of Friday’s showdown.
“Our expectations are that by the time we go to the finals, since we are hosting it, we will be allowed to do full capacity,” Omollo added, expressing optimism that the tournament would culminate in full stadiums.
He emphasised that the fans’ role could not be understated, saying their unwavering presence had become the Harambee Stars’ “twelfth man.”
“The success we have seen from Harambee Stars so far is not only because of the players’ individual talent and the work of the coach, but also because Kenyans have been solidly behind them. They deserve the accolades that go with it,” he said.
Kenya’s Harambee Stars, buoyed by a string of strong performances in the group stage, are now chasing a historic milestone—reaching the CHAN semifinals for the first time.
The highly anticipated Kenya–Madagascar clash at Kasarani is expected to draw thousands of supporters, with more following the action from designated fan zones across the country.
The fixture comes at a pivotal stage, with both teams aware that victory would pave the way for a place in the semifinals and boost their continental football credentials.
Omollo urged Kenyans both in the stadium and in fan parks to cheer the national team throughout the match, adding that unity and support would give the players the extra edge they need.
“We call on Kenyans everywhere to rally behind the Harambee Stars. Whether you are at Kasarani or in one of the fan halls across the country, your voices matter. Let us cheer the team on to victory,” he said.
Madagascar, on the other hand, is expected to put up a spirited fight, making the encounter one of the toughest tests yet for the Harambee Stars.
