The stakes have never been higher for Kenya’s national football team, Harambee Stars, as they kick off their campaign in the ongoing CHAN tournament, with former Nairobi Governor and flamboyant politician Mike Sonko adding major firepower to the players’ incentive package, promising a staggering Sh400 million bonus if the team wins the championship.
This generous pledge comes on the heels of President William Ruto’s announcement of performance-based cash rewards for the national team.
The President had promised each player Sh1 million for every win, Sh500,000 for a draw, and a total team prize of Sh600 million should they make it to the final.
But Sonko, ever the headline-maker, is turning up the heat with a billion-shilling dream.
“This is a good move by President Ruto — a real morale booster,” Sonko said in a passionate address. “I’m not competing with the President; I’m just supporting his gesture. Once the President has spoken, nobody can challenge that. But I’ll add Sh400 million on top. That’s my way of showing support for our boys.”
The outspoken leader, known for his over-the-top generosity and flashy lifestyle, emphasised that his promise is not for show.
“Me, I don’t make empty promises in leadership or politics. I have always fulfilled whatever I pledge to our players. Now they have Sh600 million from the President, and Sh400 million from Sonko — that’s a billion-shilling motivation!”
Sonko also reminisced about his past efforts to boost player performance by offering goal-based incentives but admitted it sometimes encouraged selfish play. He now prefers a team-based approach.
“I used to reward players per goal, but that created individualism. Now I support the whole team it builds unity and better chances of winning.”
Beyond cash, Sonko is calling on Kenyans to rally behind the Harambee Stars in the stands.
In a video posted from Kasarani Stadium, he urged fans to fill the stadium and cheer on the national heroes.
He is even negotiating with CHAN officials to buy 5,000 tickets to distribute freely to fans who can not afford the entry fee.
“Let’s motivate our boys. I challenge other leaders to chip in too,” he said.