Kevin Bahati and his wife, Diana Marua, had promised to reward the Harambee Stars with KSh 1 million if they defeated Morocco in their crucial African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 match on Saturday, August 9.

The couple made the pledge publicly before kick-off, with Bahati assuring fans he would hand over the cash immediately if the team triumphed.

On Sunday, August 10, the Stars delivered a thrilling 1-0 victory at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, courtesy of Ryan Ogam’s winning goal. But while celebrations swept across the country, some supporters began asking why Bahati’s promised reward had not yet reached the players.

Addressing the growing speculation, Bahati shared a video from his home wearing a Harambee Stars jersey and holding what appeared to be the KSh 1 million in cash.

He explained that CAF (Confederation of African Football) regulations had prevented him from entering the changing rooms after the match to personally deliver the gift.

“I promised to gift Harambee Stars KSh 1 million. I’m not very rich, but this gift must go directly into the players’ hands. Because of CAF rules, I couldn’t access the changing rooms after the game. I’m a man of my word, so let me call Mariga and arrange the delivery,” he said.

Bahati then phoned Football Kenya Federation (FKF) deputy chairperson McDonald Mariga, who informed him the squad was on a short break. They agreed the handover would take place during training.

Opting to present the gift on the training pitch to avoid any protocol breaches, Bahati joked:

“Naweza kasirika nilete ikiwa KSh 3 million.”

In his caption, the singer reaffirmed his promise:

“AHADI NI DENI!!! Just spoke with FKF Deputy Chairperson @Mariga77. He has allowed us to hand over the KSh 1 million to the Harambee Stars players. As CEO of Bahati.Bet, I am committed to supporting the Stars until we win this CHAN.”

A post shared by BAHATI (@bahatikenya)

Attention now shifts to Kenya’s next fixture against Zambia on Sunday, August 17. The Morocco game had been overshadowed by chaotic scenes as fans without tickets breached security — the third such incident after the DR Congo and Angola matches.

In response, CAF reduced Kasarani’s capacity to 60%, limiting attendance for the Zambia match to 27,000 tickets. Ticket sales, temporarily halted during a security review, reopened on Tuesday morning and sold out almost instantly.

Adding to the drama, confusion arose over kick-off time. CAF’s website initially listed 8 pm, while printed tickets showed 3 pm. FKF’s Head of Communications, Jeff Kinyanjui, later confirmed the correct time as 3 pm EAT, and CAF updated its listings accordingly.

The victory over Morocco has boosted Kenya’s hopes of reaching the CHAN quarter-finals. The final group-stage matches — Kenya vs Zambia at Kasarani and DR Congo vs Morocco at Nyayo Stadium — will kick off simultaneously, with the Stars aiming to secure the points needed to advance.