Football Federation of Kenya President Hussein Mohammed/SCREENGRAB
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed has credited President William Ruto with playing a central role in Harambee Stars’ impressive run at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
Speaking during an interview with NTV on Monday, Mohammed said the President’s visits, encouragement, and financial support had boosted the team’s morale, estimating that “50 to 60 per cent” of the squad’s success could be traced back to Ruto’s involvement.
“I totally agree that we should give the President his flowers,” Mohammed said.
“The motivation, the inspiration—you see it in his eyes. By now, he knows each and every player by name.”
The FKF boss described a strong bond that has developed between the Head of State and the national team. According to him, the camaraderie is evident from the moment Ruto interacts with the players.
“It is evident from the opening line every time we walk into that room. He tells them, ‘Mmecheza kama nyinyi, na mimi sasa nitacheza kama mimi’ (You have played your part, now I will play mine), and he makes sure he keeps the promise,” Mohammed said, adding that Ruto often visits the team at training sessions and hotels, sometimes away from the media spotlight.
Beyond football, Mohammed revealed that the President engages the players in discussions that touch on their personal lives and welfare, creating a sense of connection that goes beyond the pitch.
He also confirmed that financial pledges made by Ruto to the players after matches had been honoured without delay. “Nobody can contradict me on this one because I have personally been present as we fulfill the pledge,” Mohammed stated.
The Harambee Stars’ recent victory over Zambia ignited celebrations across the country, with fans lauding the team’s remarkable progress at the continental tournament.
President Ruto himself congratulated the squad, hailing their resilience in a competition where they were widely underestimated.
“At the beginning of CHAN, no one gave our Harambee Stars a chance of going past the group stages. After all, we were in the so-called Group of Death, yet our boys have triumphed,” Ruto said, describing the victory as a moment of national pride.
