President William Ruto/PCS
President William Ruto has invited Arsenal Football Club to visit Kenya in 2027 following the extraordinary celebrations that erupted across the country after the club ended its 22-year wait for the English Premier League title.
A lifelong Arsenal supporter, Ruto said the scale of the celebrations demonstrated the deep connection between the North London club and its Kenyan fanbase. “The scale of celebrations in Nairobi shocked me,” President Ruto said. “Kenya is a deeply passionate sporting nation, and hosting Arsenal will inspire millions of our youth.”
The invitation followed scenes of jubilation across Nairobi as thousands of supporters flooded the streets after Arsenal clinched the title. Moi Avenue turned into a sea of red and white as fans sang club anthems, waved flags and celebrated a triumph many had waited decades to witness.
For Kenyan Gooners, the title represented far more than a trophy. It marked the end of a 22-year wait filled with heartbreak, near misses and unwavering loyalty. Arsenal’s following in Kenya cuts across all sectors of society, from ordinary supporters to prominent public figures.
Among the club’s well-known Kenyan fans are President Ruto, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, musician King Kaka and sports broadcaster Carol Radull.
The celebrations later shifted to Nyayo National Stadium, where Arsenal supporters faced Manchester United fans in a fan derby that drew thousands of spectators. Former Harambee Stars coach Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee, who led the Arsenal side, said the turnout highlighted Kenya’s unique football culture.
“To see thousands of fans fill a national stadium just to celebrate an English Premier League rivalry shows how passionate Kenyan football fans are,” he said. The club’s influence extends beyond football.
Organised supporters’ groups have established branches across the country, bringing together fans from different regions and backgrounds through a shared love for Arsenal.
Should the club accept the invitation, a visit in 2027 would rank among the biggest football events ever hosted in Kenya, offering supporters a rare opportunity to see their heroes in person and celebrate a bond that has grown stronger over generations.
