Kenya’s President William Ruto is leaning on football fever to ease political pressure after weeks of deadly protests shook his administration. In June and July, nationwide anti-government demonstrations left at least 65 people dead, according to the police watchdog. The unrest, fueled by anger over police brutality and economic hardship, had cast Ruto as an embattled leader facing growing hostility from the country’s restless youth.
But as Kenya co-hosts the African Nations Championship (CHAN), football has given Ruto a chance to reshape the national mood. The Harambee Stars’ strong performances have not only lifted spirits but also allowed Ruto to cast himself as the team’s chief supporter. From cheering in the stands to joining players in the dressing room, the president has been quick to associate himself with their success.
In a dramatic show of generosity, Ruto promised players one million shillings ($7,740) for every win and later raised the stakes to 2.5 million shillings plus a two-bedroom house if they defeated Zambia in the quarter-finals. Fans, once chanting “Wantam” to declare him a one-term president, now fill stadiums with cries of “One Million,” celebrating the presidential bonuses.
Yet, critics question the source of these funds and see the pledges as a populist attempt to repair his image. Just weeks ago, Ruto had urged police to shoot and maim violent protesters, comments that drew widespread condemnation. Now, with CHAN captivating the public, those remarks seem to have faded from the national conversation.
Analysts argue Ruto’s football diplomacy reflects a calculated use of “soft power.” Political commentator Chris Sambu noted that the tournament offers him “respite” from corruption scandals and a chance to rebrand himself around unity and national pride. Still, challenges remain. Overzealous fans breaching stadiums have triggered fines from the Confederation of African Football, while skeptics warn that sporting glory may provide only temporary relief.
For now, however, Ruto appears to have found a winning distraction. “It is the Harambee Stars who have reunited the nation,” he told the team. Whether football can truly keep political dissent at bay is less certain, but for the moment, Kenyans are rallying around the pitch rather than the protests.
