Kenya’s President William Ruto has invited English champions Arsenal to visit the country after thousands of supporters flooded the streets of Nairobi to celebrate the club’s long-awaited Premier League title.
The North London side ended a 22-year wait for the English top-flight crown at the end of May, triggering widespread celebrations across the Kenyan capital, where Arsenal boast a large and passionate fanbase.
Speaking to Reuters at the G7 summit in France, Ruto said the scenes in Nairobi had taken him by surprise and underlined the depth of support for the club in Kenya.
“Arsenal finally closed the gap and it was a huge celebration. I was shocked in Nairobi,” Ruto told Reuters.
“It was a big celebration and I am trying to see whether sometime next year Arsenal can come to Kenya,” he said.
Thousands of supporters wearing red-and-white shirts and waving flags took to the streets following confirmation of the title, with celebrations spilling into major roads and public spaces as fans marked what many described as a historic moment for the club.
Arsenal secured the championship after holding off their closest rivals, including Manchester City, in a tightly contested season that went down to the final stages.
Ruto, an outspoken Arsenal supporter himself, said he had already extended an invitation to the club and hoped to host them in Kenya as part of a potential visit next year.
“I have sent an invitation because I think it would be a great moment for Arsenal to come to Kenya. They have great fans,” he said.
The Kenyan leader made the comments while attending the G7 summit in France, where global political and economic issues have been under discussion among world leaders.
Arsenal’s popularity in Kenya is among the strongest in Africa, with large supporter communities regularly gathering to watch matches and celebrate major results. The club’s success has often sparked public gatherings in Nairobi, particularly during title races and major European fixtures.
While no official response has yet been issued by the Premier League champions, Ruto’s remarks have added to growing anticipation among Kenyan supporters who hope the club could tour the country in the near future.
If confirmed, such a visit would mark a significant moment for the club’s African fanbase and further strengthen its ties with supporters across the continent.
