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Political leaders joined thousands of Kenyans at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, to rally behind the Harambee Stars during their CHAN 2024 opening match against DR Congo.
In a rare display of bipartisan unity, top political leaders across the divide set aside their differences to stand in solidarity with the national football team.
Both don in Red jersey of the national team outfit with some waving national flag, lit a day of national pride, unity, and celebration at the stadium all with one political party Harambee Stars, and clarion ‘Must Win.’
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President William Ruto led the way, meeting the Harambee Stars earlier in the day to offer words of encouragement and boost morale ahead of the much-anticipated opener.
“Let’s stand united behind our boys. They carry the hopes of a nation,” the President said during his morning visit to the team.
Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, and Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula were among high-profile figures who joined Kenyans in the stands, cheering passionately as the Stars battled their way to a hard-earned win.
Attorney General Dorcas Oduor was among the first senior officials to arrive at the stadium, followed by a steady stream of dignitaries and celebrities.
Also in attendance were Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, his counterpart Kipchumba Murkomen-Interior, Rebecca Miano-Tourism, who wore a personalised Harambee Stars jersey with her name “Rebecca” on the back and Cabinet Secretary Information, Communications William Kabogo. Also notable public figures included former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko.
Sonko took time to interact with fans, waving Kenyan flags and calling for national unity through sports. “We are here not as politicians, but as fans of Kenya. Let’s put our differences aside and support our team,” he said,
The presence of key lawmakers such as Homabay Town MPs Peter Kaluma and reinforced the message of solidarity. From Parliament to the pitch, the country’s political class showed up to celebrate a team that many see as a symbol of national cohesion.
Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli also joined the crowd, confirming on X (formerly Twitter): “Already at Kasarani Moi International Sports Centre.”
Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Nairobi (UNON) and former Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba didn’t miss the moment either.
He revealed that he had spoken earlier in the day with Harambee Stars captain Aboud Omar to personally wish the team success.
“I have loads of confidence in our boys to fly our flag highest, and to unite all Kenyan people in national pride. Let’s go Kenya!” Namwamba shared.
The home team rewarded the passionate crowd with a thrilling 1-0 victory, igniting jubilation across the stadium and across the country.