SOURCE OF PRESIDENT RUTO'S REWARDS TO HARAMBEE STARS

While President William Ruto’s tokens to the national team have significantly boosted their victories and progress in CHAN 2025, they have also drawn criticism from those questioning the source of such substantial sums.

During a Daybreak show with Citizen TV on Monday,18 , Suba South MP Caroli Omondi casted doubts on the source of millions President William Ruto has been handing out to Harambee Stars players following their victories in the ongoing CHAN tournament.

Omondi argued that the money being awarded is not from the President’s private pocket, but rather taxpayers’ funds ; further maintaining that Kenyans deserve clarity on whether such allocations were factored into the national budget or whether public resources are being used outside official financial channels.

“Parliament and relevant oversight institutions should scrutinize this matter to ensure due process is followed. Kenyans need assurance that no funds are being diverted in ways that bypass the law,” Omondi said.

Alongside Omondi was UDA's Nominated Senator Tabitha Mutinda who defended the President, noting that not all the money came from the government. According to her, these rewards were outsourced from Ruto's personal contribution, well wishers and the Ministry of sports - all this aimed at motivating the team's performance.

This debate followed Harambee Stars’ hard-fought victory against Zambia on Sunday, a result that secured their spot in the CHAN quarterfinals, where they are set to face Madagascar this Friday.

President Ruto had pledged KSh1 million to each player for every victory, KSh500,000 for every draw, and KSh600 million to the team if they clinch the tournament.

De facto, this pledge has provided a strong impetus that has driven the team into the quarter-finals. However, some Kenyans maintain that there must be proper accountability for every coin spent, in line with budgetary provisions.