ODM leader Raila Odinga has pledged to ensure that Harambee Stars qualify for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast.
This, Odinga said, while congratulating Senegal on winning the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations after beating Egypt in post-match penalties in Cameroon.
The Former Prime Minister promised to invest in grassroots football, which could consequently translate to success at the National level.
“Congratulations Senegal on winning AFCON 2021. I promise the legion of Kenyan soccer fans that under my administration Harambee stars will be at the next AFCON. We’ll invest in football starting with grassroots/mtaani and community clubs. Inawezekana,” Raila said.
Raila last month also raised concern on why the national team had missed out on the just ended continental showpiece despite Kenya being a hotbed of talent.
“Shame on us for not playing in AFCON when small countries like Comoros and Burkina Faso are playing. I will make sure next time we play AFCON and even the World Cup,” he said.
Other Kenyan leaders also took to social media to congratulate the Lions of Teranga for their victory after 60 years.
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Chama Cha Kazi (CCM) party leader Moses Kuria likened his party colours to two Senegalese players saying: "(Sadio) Mane is a Red (Liverpool). (Edouard) Mendy is a Blue (Chelsea). Keep to the winning colours (CCM colours)."
National Assembly Speaker Justine Muturi, also congratulated Senegal on the win. "It is inspiring to see you win through the leadership of an African coach; Aliou Cissé. Cissé is a clear reassurance that WE as Africa have what it takes to win at whatever we decide to do," Muturi stated.
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Senator Gideon Moi, meanwhile, lost a bet on Egypt to his One Kenya Alliance (OKA) affiliate Kalonzo Musyoka, saying: "Hearty congratulations The Lions of Teranga for emerging winners of AFCON. Sisi kama supporters wa The Pharaohs, hata hatujaskia vibaya."
Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot, on his part, took a swipe at ODM leader Raila Odinga for allegedly influencing former FKF President Sam Nyamweya's successful election, one he blames on Kenya's football struggles.
"We'd be up there with them (Senegal and Egypt) too, had the Capitol Hill laundry cleaning Mzee not collected a tidy sum from Nyamweya and thrown Hussein Mohammed under the bus back in 2011," Cheruiyot stated.
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