Harambee Stars are shining brightly, even as others sing: one goal, one million, wantam

President William Ruto congratulates Harambee Stars on their victory over Morocco and their historic qualification for the CHAN knockout stages.  [PCS]

The national footie side, the Harambee Stars, are on a roll, even as their success clarifies our incompetence in managing simple matters like ticket sales and stadium safety. The Stars have twangad some big boys in the ongoing CHAN tourneys and delivered it in style.

Like most Kenyans who want to follow the proceedings, but are not inclined towards the pell-mell associated with crowded spaces, not to mention potential threats of teargas to contain those who want to get in, by fire by force, I have been watching those matches online, the recorded versions, or occasionally on TV, when I happen to be in the right place at the right time.

Here’s the thing. We’ve been accustomed to scrappy displays of footie, the sort that starts with the goolie shooting a volley that crosses the half-mark, and our boys spend the next 90 minutes in aimless pursuits that end in humiliation.

The strategy, under the stewardship of elderly, mainly white men, was to escape spectacular thumping but concede a goal or two or three. Now, the Harambee Stars are showing unusual flair and brilliance, unfazed by opponents and presenting dribbling skills and inventiveness. The results have been mind-boggling. They are on top of their group chart.

Some killjoy say the motivation is the mamili promised (and delivered, I understand), by Prezzo Bill Ruto. I don’t know if this is from his own private kitty, the one he taps into when building churches within State House, or if these are from our taxes.

If it is the latter, then this is the singular expense I am willing to approve, though a framework should be provided because stealing has become a way of life in our country. Already, the fluid claim that the Stars’ houses will be offered in different areas of the country, depending on their stage of advancement in the tourney, raises a red flag for the simple reason that the funds are not elastic. A proper plan would set the Stars’ kitty from the onset.