President William Ruto on Wednesday delivered a humorous response to Senate Speaker Amason Kingi’s request for a cash reward after the Senate football team defeated the Governors’ side.

The match, part of the activities ahead of the Devolution Conference in Homa Bay County, saw Senators emerge victorious in a friendly but competitive showdown.

During the official opening of the conference, Ruto commended the Senators for their win.

"I want to confirm that the Senate team did a wonderful job. congratulations! You merit a reward for what you have done…there is only a small technical problem..Rewards at the level of Harambee stars are only given if the opposite team is not Kenyan," he said.

"Unfortunately for the Senate, the other team was Kenyan..I apologise…that I may not be able to assist in this particular circumstance, but the next time you play against a foreign team, there will be due consideration."

The President’s remarks followed Kingi’s lighthearted appeal, which referenced Ruto’s recent “win bonus” for the national football team, Harambee Stars.

“President Ruto, in keeping with your generosity witnessed over the past few weeks, where you have rewarded Harambee Stars for every win, the Senate team, having beaten the Governors, is wishing to be considered for that appreciation token,” Kingi said.

The Speaker then raised the stakes jokingly: “The team consists of 16 members. If agreeable, I might pass by State Lodge and collect Sh16 million for the team.” The exchange drew laughter from conference participants.

Ruto arrived in Homa Bay County on Tuesday and has been participating in various activities, including discussions on devolved governance. The Council of Governors is expected to present proposals for increased allocations to county governments during the event.

The conference, themed “For the People, For Prosperity: Devolution as a Catalyst for Equity, Inclusion and Social Justice,” is being held mainly at Homa Bay High School, with side events at Raila Odinga Stadium and Tom Mboya University. These include thematic discussions, exhibitions, and collaborative forums.

This is the second time the lake region is hosting the national devolution gathering, following a similar conference in Kisumu in April 2025. Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga is scheduled to officially close the event on August 14.