Atwoli says no Kenyan president has shown love for football like Ruto

COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli has showered praise on President William Ruto, saying no Kenyan head of state has demonstrated as much passion for football as him.

According to Atwoli, Ruto’s passion for football has surpassed that of any other Kenyan president since independence.Atwoli, who attended the Harambee Stars’ match against Zambia on Sunday, August 17, 2025, at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, was seen in the company of Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

The veteran trade unionist noted that the president’s open support for the national team is unmatched.

“With serious harambee stars fans,His Excellency ⁦ @WilliamsRuto⁩ and The Right Hon ⁦ @RailaOdinga⁩ and myself. Since independence, No Kenyan president has shown love of football the way His Excellency ⁦ @WilliamsRuto⁩ has shown his undoubtful love to football,” Atwoli said.

Atwoli’s remarks come at a time when the Harambee Stars are enjoying overwhelming support following their impressive performance in the ongoing continental tournament.

Ruto’s support

Since the beginning of CHAN, Ruto has shown support for the national team not only by joining other Kenyans in watching their match but also by rewarding them after every match, boosting their morale.

On August 7, 2025, the team bagged Ksh 500,000 after a 1-1 draw with Angola, and on August 4, each player received Ksh 1 million when Ruto fulfilled his promise following their win against DRC on Sunday, August 3.

Confirming the disbursement of the funds on Monday, August 4, 2025, State House spokesperson Hussein Mohamed stated that the funds have been availed to the players, including members of the technical bench.

“President William Ruto has fulfilled his commitment to pay KSh1 million each to all 27 Harambee Stars players and 15 members of the technical bench, a total of KSh42 million, following the national team’s 1-0 win over the DRC on Sunday,” Mohamed said“The Sports ministry disbursed the funds, and a similar reward awaits the team after Thursday’s game against Angola.”

Similarly, after the win against Zambia, Ruto also vowed to fulfil his Ksh 2.5 million promise to the team.

“Congratulations, Harambee Stars! You have done the nation proud, inspired immense joy, and united our country in celebration. Now, march forward and conquer the continent. Do not settle for less , just as we, as a nation, must never settle for anything less than glory,” he said.

“As for me ,nitacheza kama mimi. After all, dawa ya deni ni kulipa,” Ruto declared, assuring players and fans alike that his pledge of Ksh2.5 million per player will be fulfilled.”