Confederation of African Football President Patrice Motsepe has expressed confidence in President William Ruto’s ability to fix what still ails Kenya.
The CAF President spoke on Monday after a tour of the body’s Executive Committee to assess Kenya’s preparedness for hosting the Chan 2025 championships and 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, Afcon.
The team assessed the progress of infrastructure and logistical preparations with deadline for readiness of Kasarani, Nyayo, and Talanta City stadia set for December.
Motsepe expressed optimism in Kenya’s ability to beat the deadline after inspecting the facilities on Monday and while closing the tour on Tuesday, gave Ruto a pat on the back for managing the country well despite a few hiccups which he believes the Head of State will overcome.
“As I leave, what is my impression? Impression of confidence,” The CAF President said. “Because I trust President Ruto,” he affirmed.
Motsepe arrived in Kenya on Sunday for a two-day visit.
His appraisal of Ruto’s performance comes days after Ruto marked exactly two years (last Friday) since he took the oath of office on September 13, 2022.
Over that period, Ruto has had to deal with mounting pressure for better governance and accountability with a series of street protests called by the opposition and Gen Z driving the point home that it’s business unusual.
The President has somewhat managed to waver the storm and restore calm in the country with the lowering of the cost of living, salary hikes for workers, and appeasing critics through the formation of a broad-based government, appearing to have worked the magic thus far.
Motsepe believes there remains a lot to be done but says he’s confident Ruto is up to the task.
“There’s still a lot of work to be done, but I trust him because he’s a man of his word and also because [pause]…let me talk about football,” he said, throwing the audience into laughter.
Kenya will co-host the African Nations Championship (CHAN) in February 2025 and Afcon 2027 alongside neighbours Tanzania and Uganda.
Ruto made a brief appearance at the Executive Committee meeting where he re-affirmed Kenya’s commitment to successfully host the continental tournaments.
"I also have conversations with President Samia of Tanzania and President Museveni of Uganda, we are all aligned to making sure both events are successful,” Ruto said.
