Arsenal party ends in court as eight fans fined in Eldoret

Eight Arsenal fans in Eldoret were each fined Sh500 after appearing before a court following their arrest over alleged disorderly behaviour during celebrations linked to the club’s EPL triumph.

The fans were fined by Eldoret Senior Resident Magistrate Daniel Sitati after they admitted to a charge of being drunk and disorderly during celebrations following Arsenal’s victory.

According to police, the incident took place on the night of May 20, 2026, at Kimumu Estate along the Eldoret-Iten Highway in Uasin Gishu County.

The fans were identified as David Kipchumba, James Mwangi, Peter Nyaucho, Omar Olentimama, Jesse Murei, Vincent Amoke, Peter Wambua and Gilbert Kurri.

They appealed to the magistrate for leniency, saying they would avoid engaging in conduct likely to disrupt members of the public in future.

“We were just enjoying ourselves, your honour, and we did not commit any other offence because we were so happy,” one of the youths told the court.

The court heard that the Arsenal supporters were arrested by police officers on patrol who reportedly found them celebrating along the streets in the Kimumu area.

Police officers told the court they found some of the fans staggering and shouting after Arsenal was confirmed as the Premier League champion for the first time since 2004.

The arrests came shortly after Manchester City drew with Bournemouth, a result that handed Arsenal the EPL title.

Police further told the court that some tenants in the area had raised complaints alleging that the youths were intoxicated and causing disturbance within the neighbourhood.

Magistrate Sitati cautioned the fans against disrupting the peace of others while celebrating their favourite Premier League team, noting that such conduct may amount to an offence under Section 33(1) as read with Section 33(2) of the Alcoholic Drinks Act No. 14 of 2010.

“Even though you were celebrating, you should not go to the extent of disturbing the lives of others,” Sitati said, while encouraging the youths to also celebrate local teams during national and regional football competitions.

“I just wonder why you guys fancy celebrating and shouting around for foreign teams when they win the Premier League at the expense of our local football teams,” Sitati said.

Sitati added that local league teams such as Gor Mahia and Tusker FC were performing well in national and regional competitions and deserved support.

“Let’s be patriotic and also encourage our own by supporting them,” Sitati said.

Arsenal fans have continued celebrating in different parts of the country, including Eldoret, where some supporters have erected the club’s flags along several streets.