Murang'a Seals winger Victor Haki apologises after backlash over Harambee Stars celebration video

Murang'a Seals winger Victor Haki has issued a public apology after facing heavy criticism for a viral video in which he appeared to celebrate Harambee Stars' elimination from the African Nations Championship (CHAN).

In the clip, which circulated widely on social media, Haki was seen dancing moments after Kenya's 2-0 defeat to Madagascar, even as national team captain Abud Omar consoled his distraught teammates.

A friend could be heard in the background jokingly asking him, "Oye rada ni gani beshte yangu?" (loosely translated as, "What's wrong with you, my friend?").

Murang'a Seal FC winger Victor Haki has issued a statement.

Hello everyone,

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... pic.twitter.com/hIzeg8cabh

- Ole Teya (@TeyaKevin) August 23, 2025

The video sparked outrage among Kenyan football fans, many of whom described the act as unpatriotic and disrespectful to the players.

Following the backlash, Haki penned an emotional apology, admitting his actions were in bad taste.

"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 said.

He added, "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."

But fans remained divided on whether the apology was genuine.

One social media user questioned: "We can forgive him as fans, but will the coach who selects players for the national team ever forgive him?"

Another wrote: "Apologising for what? Expressing how he felt? There's a backward culture of hypocrisy of acting to please egos. Let's pump more resources into our league so players are fairly paid. You can't give handouts to a few players and expect others to celebrate."

A third was more dismissive: "There are apologies to accept and some to reject. His is one to be rejected as it's not genuine - he just did it for fear of being cancelled."

Haki, 23, began his career at Nzoia Sugar FC before moving to Murang'a Seals on August 31, 2024. His standout moment came during the 2025 FKF Cup third-place playoff when he scored a decisive header against Mara Sugar FC to seal a 1-0 victory and a KSh 750,000 cash prize for his club.