Kenya, Aug. 23 -- Thousands of Kenyans stormed Nairobi's Central Business District (CBD) late Friday night, chanting Ruto Must Go and Wantam in a powerful display of frustration following the Harambee Stars' penalty shootout loss to Madagascar in the CHAN 2024 quarter-finals.
The protests, sparked by the team's elimination at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, quickly escalated into broader demands for political change, reflecting growing discontent with President William Ruto's administration.
The atmosphere in Nairobi CBD turned tense as demonstrators voiced their grievances over governance, economic challenges, and unfulfilled promises.The Harambee Stars' defeat, ending 1-1 after extra time before Madagascar clinched a 4-3 victory in penalties, served as a catalyst for the unrest.
Fans, already energized by the team's historic run in the African Nations Championship, were left heartbroken when key players Mike Kibwage and Alphonce Omija missed crucial penalty kicks.
Netizens captured the moments reporting the spontaneous protests that erupted shortly after the match. The chants of Wantam, a slang term signaling disdain, echoed through Nairobi's streets, blending sports disappointment with political outrage.The match, held on August 22, 2025, saw Kenya take an early lead with a 48th-minute goal by Alphonce Omija, igniting hope among the 35,000 fans at Kasarani Stadium.
However, Madagascar equalized in the 66th minute via a penalty, pushing the game into a tense shootout. Despite the loss, President Ruto praised the team's resilience, stating, "Harambee Stars have silenced doubters and lifted the spirit of a nation."
Yet, his words did little to quell the anger of protesters who linked the defeat to broader issues like corruption and economic mismanagement.
Traffic disruptions compounded the chaos, with Thika Road and other major routes to Nairobi CBD closed early Friday to accommodate fans heading to the match.
Motorists faced long delays, and some broke through police barricades in frustration, amplifying the tension. The National Police Service had issued advisories, redirecting traffic via Kiambu Road and the Northern Bypass, but the heavy gridlock fueled public irritation.
Posts on social media highlighted the public's anger over the early road closures, with many Kenyans feeling the government prioritized the match over their daily needs.
The protests also drew attention to earlier anti-government sentiments expressed during Harambee Stars' matches. On March 23, 2025, fans at Nyayo Stadium chanted Ruto Must Go during a World Cup qualifier against Gabon, signaling a pattern of using sports events to voice political dissent.
Similar chants were heard at a Burna Boy concert in Nairobi and even among the Kenyan diaspora at a London event, underscoring the widespread frustration with Ruto's leadership.
As night fell, police deployed teargas to disperse crowds at key Nairobi CBD junctions, including Kenyatta Avenue. Deputy Inspector General Gilbert Masengeli denied claims that access to the CBD was restricted, but reports of stranded commuters and boda boda riders highlighted the disruptions.
Two activists, Prince Baha and Julius Kamau, were arrested and taken to Central Police Station, further inflaming tensions.
The Wantam chant, symbolizing rejection of perceived corruption, has become a rallying cry for Kenya's Gen Z, who led similar protests during the July 2025 Saba Saba demonstrations against poor governance and police brutality.
The movement, amplified on social media, reflects a growing demand for accountability. Netizen posted, "You can't kill us and lead us."Despite the Harambee Stars' exit from CHAN 2024, their campaign was historic, topping Group A with victories over Morocco and Zambia.
Leaders like Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru praised the team's unity and spirit.
However, for many Kenyans, the penalty loss to Madagascar was more than a sporting defeat, it was a spark for expressing deeper grievances in Nairobi CBD.
As Kenya prepares to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, the government faces mounting pressure to address public concerns. The Ruto Must Go and Wantam chants signal a restless populace, unwilling to separate their passion for football from their demand for change.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.