'Mshai ona Arsenal wamebeba kikombe?' Student roasts Arsenal, steals show at State House concert

A young learner lit up the Kenya National Drama and Film Festival State Concert at State House with a witty performance that left guests in stitches, after taking aim at English Premier League club Arsenal over their prolonged lack of major trophies in recent years.

Delivering his comedic piece with confidence, the student leaned into the club’s widely discussed title drought, creating an instantly memorable moment for the audience.

“When I look around, I see respectable elders. And you elders have seen a lot of things, haven’t you?” the young performer said, drawing in the high-profile crowd.

He then delivered the punchline that set off waves of laughter: “But there is one thing you have never seen. Or have you ever seen Arsenal win a trophy?”

(Mshai ona Arsenal wamebeba kikombe?)

The sharp remark triggered loud laughter and applause across the audience.

Continuing his routine with composure, the performer drew a clever contrast between his own achievements at the festival and the club’s dry spell.

“For me to get here, I have been awarded many trophies. Nationals, I won best male comedian; the second one was for being the first; and the third was for costume and decor,” he said.

He followed up with another punchline: “Yet there are 11 men from Arsenal who don’t even have a single trophy.”

His bold delivery, punctuated by well-timed pauses, turned the club’s trophy drought into a source of humour, drawing sustained amusement from the State House audience.

The light-hearted moment underscored the creativity, wit and confidence of young performers at the national festival.

It also reflected how students are using humour, satire and popular culture to entertain while showcasing their artistic abilities before national leaders.

The performance drew prolonged applause and stood out as one of the highlights of the festival’s state concert.