Murkomen joins Kenya-Tanzania football rivalry banter ahead of Morocco clash: 'Tutacheza kwa Kiingereza'

A fierce yet humorous football rivalry is brewing between Kenya and Tanzania ahead of the Taifa Stars' highly anticipated clash against Morocco.

Cheeky Kenyan fans reportedly purchased tickets, not to support Tanzania, but to back the North African giants and block Tanzanian supporters from accessing the stadium.

Online videos and social media banter have shown Kenyan netizens openly celebrating their "petty patriotism," claiming they'll cheer for Morocco when the two sides meet at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

"I congratulate all Kenyans who have bought Tanzanian tickets," Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said during a fundraising event for Kenyan Premier League newcomers APS Bomet in Nairobi.

Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen amesema #JiraniAteseke pic.twitter.com/ydGx5m6Nqt

- Ole Teya (@TeyaKevin) August 20, 2025

"Please make sure you travel and go and support Morocco at Benjamin Mkapa. I like the banter between us, Uganda, and Tanzania, but if they are going to make fun of us the way they have done, I'll be very happy if it is Kenya versus Tanzania in the finals in Nairobi. Just imagine!"

Murkomen added a cheeky Kiswahili twist to his remarks, joking: "Tutacheza kwa Kingereza, game yetu," a phrase that roughly translates to "we'll play our game in English" - which sent social media into a frenzy and added fuel to the cross-border rivalry.

Unsurprisingly, the cheeky antics and bold comments have ruffled feathers in Tanzania.

Sports personalities and football fans in Dar es Salaam have responded with fiery patriotism, urging locals to pack the stadium in full support of the Taifa Stars.

The tension between the two football-loving nations intensified after Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy threw shade at Tanzania following Kenya's narrow 1-0 win over Zambia.

"Tanzania will get their wish and they will experience what we experienced in the group of death. Now Morocco is going to Tanzania so (thumbs up). I want feedback after the Morocco game so that they know what we went through every game in this tournament, so good luck to Tanzania in the next round," McCarthy quipped.

But Tanzanians were not taking that jab lying down.

Yanga SC's outspoken spokesperson Ali Kamwe hit back with classic bravado and a touch of sarcasm.

"Nimeona jana Kocha wa Kenya akisema, Tanzania tutaona walichokutana nacho kwenye kundi la Kifo.... Lile kundi la kifo lile? Sijui Angola, sijui Congo, ni kundi la kifo lile? Yeye ataona kwa Madagascar. Unatutishatisha!... Yeye ndo ataona Madagascar wanafananaje!"