Another user cautioned that the clip could potentially ruin the player’s career. “That’s how people gamble with careers,” the user wrote.

“Victor Haki laughing at Harambee Stars’ loss is pure poverty of ambition. A Murang’a Seals player mocking the national team? That’s like spitting in the same plate you hope to eat from. If the Stars lose, you lose too, because your dream is to one day wear that jersey,” another user weighed in.

Harambee Stars captain Abud Omar, while reacting to the clip, wrote on his Instagram page, “It’s disappointing to see a Murang’a Seal player (Victor Haki) celebrating after Harambee Stars’ loss yesterday.”

“That shows a lack of respect, not just to the team but to the nation and the game itself. We rise together, we fall together. Football should unite us, not divide us. You’re a disgrace to the nation,” he continued.

By the time this story was published, it was yet to be determined if action would be taken against the player by either the club or the national football team over the viral clip.

Haki started his professional journey at Nzoia Sugar FC, where he honed his skills as an attacking player and eventually drew attention from other Premier League sides. On August 31, 2024, he completed a move to Murang’a Seals FC in the Kenyan Premier League.

His standout moment came in the 2025 FKF Cup third-place playoff, when he came off the bench to score a match-winning header that sealed a 1–0 victory over Mara Sugar FC at the Ulinzi Sports Complex. The result secured Murang’a Seals’ third place along with a cash reward of Ksh 750,000.

Meanwhile, after Friday’s match on August 22, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki delivered President William Ruto’s message to the Stars, praising them for making the nation proud and for the sense of unity they had inspired throughout the tournament.

‘’Forget about the motivation and the other things in between, the president has said he wants to build on what you have brought to our country, the honour, unity, and the pride, and he will be reaching out to you through the leadership and the Ministry to give you a thank you,’’ Kindiki said.

Since the start of the tournament, the President has shown consistent support for the national team, pledging and delivering rewards for their performances.

President William Ruto also celebrated the team’s achievement alongside Kenyans, highlighting that this was the first time Kenya had advanced to the quarter-finals.

“We had a remarkable run. Harambee Stars have silenced doubters, lifted the spirit of a nation, and reminded us that when Kenyans play with courage, confidence, and determination, nothing is impossible,” Ruto said in a statement after Kenya’s elimination.