Harambee Stars player and Ulinzi Stars Football Club Captain Senior Private Boniface Muchiri has been promoted to the rank of Corporal.
The move is in a bid to recognise his outstanding performance at the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN).
Chief of the Defence Forces (CDF) General Charles Kahariri presided over the promotion of Boniface Muchiri.
Muchiri delivered a memorable intervention in Kenya’s crucial win over Zambia (1–0) in Group A.
Harambee Stars player and Ulinzi Stars Football Club Captain Senior Private Boniface Muchiri promoted to Corporal on August 27, 2025 / KDF
The new ranks were conferred by the General Officer Commanding Eastern Command, Major General Luka Kutto.
General Kahariri congratulated Corporal Muchiri for his exemplary discipline, commitment, and excellence on both national and international stages.
“We are very grateful for your commitment, hard work, and excellent performance while serving Kenya and, by extension, the KDF. We wish you success in future assignments and are confident you will continue to excel,” the CDF said.
The promotion highlights the Kenya Defence Forces’ commitment to nurturing talent and rewarding excellence both in service and beyond.
MUCHIRI'S EARLY YEARS
The quiet village of Aleles in Amagoro location, Teso North subcounty, was turned into a full sports fan base during the ongoing CHAN games, courtesy of Muchiri.
The 29-year-old Muchiri motivated many to love and celebrate the game due to his passion, dedication, and fighting spirit.
His mother, Mildred Akinyi, narrated how the Kenyan national team player has developed a passion for the sport, noting that the winning spirit of his son has encouraged the people of Teso North, Busia county to eagerly follow the ongoing CHAN tournaments on television screens in the comfort of their houses, or at other social places.
Mildred said the passion and determination of her son in both sports and academics bore fruit as Muchiri completed form 4 and scored a C+.
He then joined Nzoia Sugar for a six-month contract before he got a release letter to join Rongo University, where, during his first semester, Muchiri joined Sony Sugar FC, while in his second semester, he moved to Tusker FC under head coach Robert Matano.
"During the advent of Covid-19, Muchiri had trials in the USA, where he had an unsuccessful stint at La Force FC playing in the 3rd tier league (Nisa)," Akinyi said.
After sustaining a nagging injury, the diminutive midfielder came back home, where he joined the military outfit Ulinzi Stars, registering an impressive record of being the club's top scorer in 3 consecutive seasons.
Akinyi said her son declined to pursue his university studies, telling her that he had opted to join the military, where he would continue with his football career as he discharged his duties in the disciplined forces.
She said her son first played for Harambee Stars, while at Tusker FC, when he travelled with the national team to Spain, and while with Ulinzi, he travelled with the national team to Morocco.
"News of my son's call to Harambee Stars' provisional squad for the African Nations Championships (CHAN) was relayed, while he was at home, following our prayers for his inclusion in the national squad," she said.
"Watching my son play football on television is a harrowing experience, especially when he falls. I would stop watching him because of the fear of the unknown, but I always remain prayerful."
Harambee Stars player and Ulinzi Stars Football Club Captain Senior Private Boniface Muchiri promoted to Corporal on August 27, 2025 / KDFINTERIM REPORT
General Kahariri received an interim report on Ulinzi Stars Football Club’s performance for the years 2020–2025.
The report, presented by the Chairman of the Review Committee, Brigadier Ahmed Saman, provided a critical assessment of the team’s technical, tactical, and managerial aspects, including coaching, player welfare, administrative support, recruitment, training, and retention policies.
The interim findings also reviewed the adequacy of training facilities, equipment, and support infrastructure and incorporated benchmarking against successful clubs to identify best practices.
Short- and long-term remedial measures were proposed to enhance the team’s competitiveness and strengthen club management.
General Kahariri pledged full support from KDF leadership to ensure the implementation of the recommendations, noting that Ulinzi Stars must remain competitive while upholding the discipline and values of the Kenya Defence Forces.
Leaders present at the ceremony were the Vice Chief of the Defence Forces, Lieutenant General John Omenda, Director Personnel and Logistics Major General Edward Rugendo, senior officers, officers, service members, and members of Ulinzi Stars FC.
