Harambee Stars players are being subjected to ethnic profiling by a section of Kenyans following their loss to Cameroon, a cause for worry given the deep-rooted tribalism in the country.
Harambee Stars’ 4-1 loss to Cameroon in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier has brought to the fore the tribal hate that exists among Kenyans.
Kenya were at the end of a mauling at the hands of the Indomitable Lions in Yaounde on Friday, going down 3-1 inside the opening half, before Cameroon completed the rout 10 minutes after restart.
It was a poor display from Engin Firat’s men who were outthought and outfoxed by their more superior opponents to leave them requiring a positive result in the return match on Monday to get their qualification journey back on track.
However, while Kenyans continue to digest the result, some of them have opted to focus on the tribal composition of the team rather than the tactical approach and performance, exposing the deep-rooted ethnic divisions.
Terms like ‘Nyanza FC’ have been branded around by a section of Kenyans, eliciting varied reactions.
“When Luhyas and Luos perform in rugby, we do not see ethnic profiling. When Kalenjins perform in athletics no attacks on them but when Harambee Stars fail to beat a prime Cameroon, insults are spewed. It’s sad. Uncalled for,” an angry fan posted on X.
“If Harambee Stars win the game they are ours. If they lose, they are called Omena FC,” commented another one.
“We are discussing the tribal composition of Harambee Star players instead of talking about the mismanagement of FKF. Players are not responsible for Harambee Stars playing away games in other nations. Players don’t steal the money that is meant to promote grassroots football in Kenya,” another one observed.
“Harambee Stars is a football team, not a Constitutional Office,” another one sought to remind Kenyans.
“Shida ni mnadhani watu huchezea Harambee Stars are just handpicked from the streets. Zii, these are guys who are performing well at their respective clubs.”
“If Harambee stars win they are ours. If they lose, they are Nyanza FC. Y’all need to stop this. Just like athletics let those who are talented in football play it even if they come from one region in Kenya.”
Worryingly, most of those brandishing the tribal card are youthful fans who are supposedly part of the ‘woke’ brigade that has been fighting tribalism among political leaders.
World over, football has always been a unifying factor but in Kenya, the opposite seems to be happening, which is a cause for concern.
