Boniface Muchiri: Why CHAN 2024 Millions From President Ruto Will Build His Mother a Decent House

Harambee Stars midfielder Boniface Muchiri has revealed his ultimate dream, after Kenya's fairytale CHAN 2024 journey, which has nothing to do with automobiles or good living but everything to do with rewarding the woman who has been with him since he was a young boy—his mother, Mildred Akinyi.

The KDF soldier, who was recently promoted from Senior Private to Corporal, says he wants to use some of the Sh5 million reward from President William Ruto to give his mother a decent house.

Muchiri, a star player for Kenya at the tournament, vividly recalls how his mother worked hard to provide for him and never missed out on the basics needed to develop his footballing ability.

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From buying him boots and balls to screaming words of support after every match, Akinyi was his rock on and off the pitch.

"First things first, before I do anything else with the money, I plan to build a decent house for my mother," Muchiri said on the sidelines of a recent luncheon in the team's honour by President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi reports Nation.

He told us that the inspiration came from sacrifices she made 13 years ago, when she bought a ball for him after he had joined St Mary's Kibabii Boys High School in 2012, and later, in Form Two, bought his first playing boots.

Those two actions, he says, made him believe he would never miss her unwavering support in his football life.

"She sacrificed a lot for me and now I just want to give her the best by ensuring she has a good shelter," Muchiri elucidated.

The 29-year-old Ulinzi Stars captain admitted that the promotion he has earned in the KDF has made him feel valued, adding that the recognition is a reward for years of consistency and hard work.

"It is a reward for a job well done for me. I have been working extremely hard since I joined Ulinzi Stars," Muchiri, who has also turned out for Tusker, Nzoia Sugar, Sony Sugar and even had a stint with Golden State in the United States of America, said.

He remarked: "It's a matter of being consistent and grinding daily to be at my best. I pray to God that I keep going because fans have high expectations from me."

As Muchiri's speed, incisive crosses and deliveries from set pieces lit up Kenya's CHAN campaign. He created Ryan Ogam's winner against Zambia and Alphonce Omija's goal against Madagascar, performances that have cemented his position as a fans' favourite.

In spite of Harambee Stars not qualifying for the semi-finals, Muchiri said he was content with his individual performance and that of the team's fighting spirit.

"I am impressed but also sad because we were unable to qualify for the semi-finals and subsequently the final," he added.

But for Muchiri, the biggest victory is off the soccer pitch: fulfilling his dream of building a decent house for his mother, a permanent tribute to the woman who gave him boots and confidence.