Why Oga Obinna Wants Ruto to Pay Harambee Stars Directly

Comedian and content creator Oga Obinna has weighed in on President William Ruto's monetary pledges to the national football team, Harambee Stars, offering clear recommendations on how the funds should be disbursed to ensure players directly benefit.

The President's Pledge

During Saturday’s address, President Ruto announced significant incentives for the Harambee Stars. For every match won, the players are promised a sum of KSh 1 million.

In the event of a draw, each player is set to receive Ksh 500,000. This financial promise aims to boost the team's morale and performance on the international stage.

Obinna's Call for Direct Deposits

Oga Obinna, in his address, strongly advocated for the direct transfer of these funds into each player's bank account.

READ ALSO: Ruto’s Ksh600m Harambee Stars Promise Gets Kenyans Talking

He emphasised that the money should bypass team management altogether to prevent potential misuse or diversion of funds.

"Pesa itumwe directly to every player's bank account na si ati sijui nini, no that's more like a grant ama a gift. iyo hata haitolewi tax," Obinna stated, suggesting the funds be treated as a grant or gift, exempt from taxation.

He stressed that if the money is routed through team management, it is unlikely to reach the intended beneficiaries.

"If that money is sent to what I harambee stars I wish you all the best. Kazi kwenu Sasa you know what to do," he added, implying a call for the direct method.

Ensuring Transparency and Player Morale

Obinna proposed a method to ensure accountability and transparency in the disbursement of funds.

He recommended that once a match is won or drawn, bank account details of the players should be sent to specific individuals in president Ruto’s government, including Ruto’s aide Farouk Kibet, Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, or Dennis Itumbi.

Furthermore, he urged that evidence of these direct payments be publicly posted. "Itumbi anakuwa poa sana kupost tuone tu sent to Nafula, sent to Wanyonyi sent to nani nani sent to nani nani," Obinna suggested, advocating for transparency by publicly showing who received their share.

This transparency, according to Obinna, should extend to every member of the team, including those on the bench.

He stated, "mpaka wale walikuwa kwa bench unajua timu pia inaweza kuwa wanaocheza ni 11 lakini timu ni watu 20 ama ni watu 30 kila mtu kwa timu apate pesa yake".

The comedian believes that direct and transparent payments will significantly boost player morale.

He noted that players might be feeling demotivated by low salaries, but a direct payment, which could, for instance, serve as a deposit for a new car or other significant purchase, would provide substantial encouragement.

This, he argued, would motivate them to secure more wins for the country.

Obinna concluded by urging the Harambee Stars to focus on their first game, secure a win, and then anticipate their individual payments.