A viral video celebrating the Harambee Stars’ heartbreaking loss to Madagascar has ignited a firestorm within the Kenyan football community.

The video, shared by Murang’a Seals player Victor Haki, showed him lauding Madagascar for eliminating the national team from the CHAN quarter-finals.

The unpatriotic gesture was met with immediate and widespread condemnation from fans across the nation.

In a statement released after the public outcry, Haki expressed his regret, admitting his actions were a “lapse in judgment.”

“I want to sincerely apologise for the video I shared after Harambee Stars’ loss to Madagascar in the CHAN tournament. I realise it came across as insensitive and disappointing, especially at a time when the entire nation was hurting. It was a lapse in judgment on my part, and I deeply regret the impression it created,” he stated.

Haki acknowledged the gravity of his mistake, adding, “As a Kenyan football player, I know better is expected of me. My actions were unpatriotic, in bad taste, and not a true reflection of the respect I have for Harambee Stars, the players, the coaches, and the millions of fans who proudly stand behind our team.”

He confirmed that he has since taken down the video and takes “full responsibility” for the mistake.

The Fallout

The video drew immediate criticism from many Kenyans who showed distaste in the manner he reacted to the loss. Harambee Stars Captain Abud Omar was among those who castigated Haki, terming his gesture as “insensitive.”

The incident serves as a reminder of the passion and pride fans have for the national team, and the responsibility that comes with being a public figure in Kenyan football. For Victor Haki, it was a harsh lesson, one he promises will make him “better and do better in representing my country moving forward.”