Red carpet reception: Harambee Stars to get presidential honour at State House

Ruto is hosting Harambee Stars team at State House for a luncheon.

The Head of State has offered to pay half the cost of the affordable houses for the entire team, while the remainder which is KES 1M will be paid by players as mortgage.

Additionally, the players have been asked to choose houses in towns of their choice.

The Harambee Stars players have received a red carpet reception at State House, Nairobi, where President William Samoei Ruto hosted them in a ceremony in recognition of their recent exploits and qualification for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).

The team, which has rekindled national hope with its spirited performance in the qualifiers, was ushered into the ceremony with pomp and colour as they were celebrated for marking Kenya’s return to the continental stage.

Before they made their way into the State luncheon arena, the trumpets rang out with the national anthem.

President William Ruto, already in position, stood at attention alongside senior officials and invited guests as the anthem was observed.

Once the anthem ended, the players were ushered into the ceremony against the backdrop of this patriotic overture, which set the stage for their grand entry.

The players, who arrived in elegant black and dark blue suits, made a coordinated entrance as they walked past queue barriers laid out to guide their path.

The team marched in step with their head coach, Benni McCarthy, leading from the front.

A special song composed in their honor played in the background.

Upon reaching the dais, the players queued before beginning to approach President Ruto one by one.

The Head of State, who stood ready, greeted each player with a handshake and a few words of encouragement.

Behind them, a giant screen lit up with their names and portraits as they were introduced, personalising the moment and giving each player a spotlight before the audience.

The formal greetings then ushered in the State luncheon, prepared in their honor.