With Harambee Stars bowing out of the CHAN 2024 tournament after a quarterfinal defeat to Madagascar, the team still achieved a milestone never before witnessed in Kenya’s football history.
The Stars have been riding on the President’s financial incentives, earning KSh2.5 million per win and targeting a record-breaking KSh600 million Presidential prize had they lifted the trophy.
But the real buzz has been around flamboyant former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, who had pledged a staggering KSh400 million reward if the boys brought the trophy home.
The lingering question remains: Would Sonko really have delivered the KSh400 million if Harambee Stars had won? And does he even have the money?
Critics have dismissed Sonko’s grand promise as pure political showmanship. However, fresh revelations by our investigative team suggest otherwise.
A letter dated April 7, 2025, seen by this paper, confirms that the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) lifted an agency notice that had frozen one of Sonko’s bank accounts containing KSh574 million.
The letter, signed by Sheila Sanga on behalf of the Commissioner for Investigations and Enforcement, effectively restored his access to the funds.
Further, sources close to Sonko reveal he has recently pocketed billions through high-value land sales at the Coast. Notably, he sold 300 acres in Kilifi at KSh9 million per acre, raking in an estimated KSh2.8 billion.
A portion of this land deal is tied to the ambitious African Talent University (TATU) project, which plans to establish the Proposed Chome City University Mariakani Campus, a modern, climate-responsive institution featuring lecture halls, residences, research centres, a five-star hotel, and even an airstrip.
Insiders also indicate that part of the land will host Government Affordable Housing projects, further strengthening Sonko’s financial muscle.
Further sources from Mombasa say that the former City Governor has also sold his multi-million shilling club in Mombasa to a German billionaire, who is married to a Chinese national, for KSh550 million.
Despite the elimination, Sonko congratulated Harambee Stars for their spirited run, emphasizing that the players’ effort and determination deserve national pride.
“The boys have done us proud. Though the dream of CHAN 2024 ends here, the future is bright. Football is not just about winning trophies—it’s about uniting Kenyans, inspiring young talent, and showing the world our resilience,” Sonko said.
He further noted that Kenya’s performance was proof that, with sustained investment in sports facilities, grassroots talent, and player welfare, the nation could soon stand toe-to-toe with Africa’s football giants.
“I remain committed to supporting Kenyan football in every way I can. This is not the end it is only the beginning of greater things for our Stars,” he added.
While the much-publicized KSh400 million pledge was contingent on Harambee Stars lifting the trophy, Sonko assured fans that his belief in Kenyan football remains unwavering, urging Kenyans to continue rallying behind the team.
