Kenyan Premier League champions Gor Mahia FC’s visit to State House, Nairobi, on Sunday carried even deeper historical and administrative significance, with the club’s delegation featuring some of its most influential past and present figures alongside current leadership.

The team, led by chairman Ambrose Rachier, presented their 22nd league title to President William Ruto in a ceremony that blended sporting achievement, national recognition, and long-term development discussions.

Among those in attendance were former Gor Mahia Secretary General Sam Ochola, one of the club’s few life members whose long-standing association with K’Ogalo adds a historic dimension to the delegation. Also present was Lodvick Aduda, a member of the AFCON 2027 Local Organizing Committee (LOC), further highlighting the club’s link to continental football structures and broader regional football development.

Their presence underscored Gor Mahia’s unique position not just as a football club, but as an institution deeply embedded in Kenya’s sporting and administrative football ecosystem.

The champions were received by President Ruto, who announced a Ksh.10 million reward for the club and Ksh 100,000 for each player in recognition of their dominant season.

The President praised the team’s discipline and consistency, noting that excellence in sport deserved consistent national recognition.

“First, we shall eat together. I can see you are a disciplined team. Some people come here and quote the amount of money they want. I will ensure each player leaves here with Ksh. 100,000, and Ksh.10 million will be wired to the club account,” he said.

He also reaffirmed government commitment to sports development, directing the Ministry of Sports to strengthen structures for nurturing talent across the country.

“The Sports CS will ensure the government organizes how to support your talent,” he added.

President Ruto further outlined his administration’s infrastructure agenda, revealing plans to complete 28 stadiums across the country, with facilities already delivered in regions such as Wajir and Bungoma.

He also highlighted the Talanta Sports City Complex as a transformative project designed to integrate sport with commercial and professional infrastructure, including training, ICT, medical, hospitality, and media facilities.

The President said the facility would remain active throughout the week, dismissing criticism that it would be underutilized.

There was a light moment when the President humorously recalled a jersey mishap that drew laughter from the gathering.

“Lakini kuna jamaa mmoja ameniangusha… nilikuwa nimemwambia aniletee jersey ya Gor Mahia akaniletea XXL. Sasa ilikuwa inakaa kama gunia nikasema hapana,” Ruto joked.

He added in laughter: “So boss utatafuta ingine, tafuta large… nitumie mbili ama tatu, different colours.”

During the ceremony, Gor Mahia presented the President with a signed club jersey in appreciation of his support for sport.

Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya praised Gor Mahia’s sustained excellence, describing the club as a pillar of Kenyan football and a key contributor to national team selections, especially during competitions such as CHAN.

“Gor Mahia has been consistent, an embodiment of skill, talent, and resilience. They have contributed many players to the national team,” Mvurya said.

He emphasized that the club’s continental duty in the CAF Champions League would be a national assignment requiring collective support.

“You will not be playing as a club but representing 55 million Kenyans,” he said.

Also present was Hon. Ronald Karauri, MP for Kasarani and CEO of SportPesa, who commended the President for consistently recognizing sporting excellence and investing in football development.

“As SportPesa, we have a long-term partnership with the federation valued at KSh 1.1 billion. Our goal is to raise the standard of football in the country,” he said.

As celebrations of their 22nd league title continue, the State House visit will be remembered not only for the financial rewards and promises made, but also for the strong institutional and historical representation that surrounded Kenya’s most decorated football club.