President William Ruto on Friday shared a heartfelt reflection on the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, recalling their shared love for football and their unwavering support for English Premier League side Arsenal.

Speaking at State House in Nairobi during the Premier League trophy tour, Ruto said that football often provided moments of laughter and connection between him and Raila, even amid their political differences.

“Unfortunately, we lost one of our big Arsenal fans, the Honorable Raila Odinga, and we really feel that we lost somebody who was always in the game with us,” Ruto said. He remembered how the two would occasionally set aside politics to talk about Arsenal’s fortunes on the pitch.

“Whenever we were not discussing difficult stuff, we used to talk about how not so well we (Arsenal) were doing,” he added, drawing laughter from the audience.

The President said he cherished those conversations, noting that football has the power to unite people across social and political divides. He lightened the mood with a touch of humour, saying, “We sympathise with Manchester United,” a remark that sparked laughter across the room.

Ruto, himself a proud Arsenal fan, thanked the English Premier League for including Kenya in its global trophy tour, describing it as a recognition of the country’s growing passion for the game. “We look forward to a greater partnership. We are expanding football infrastructure,” he said. “We are setting up about 30 sports academies across the country, and I have already instructed the Ministry of Sports to develop an additional 22 stadiums.”

The event brought together football enthusiasts, dignitaries, and government officials, reaffirming Kenya’s commitment to nurturing young sporting talent ahead of its co-hosting of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

Raila Odinga’s deep connection to football was well known among Kenyans. Whether in stadiums or at political rallies, the veteran politician never hid his passion for the sport. His devotion to Arsenal FC often made headlines, as he was known to analyse matches and discuss the team’s highs and lows with the same seriousness he brought to national issues.

In 2022, Raila recounted his personal journey as a football fan. “I started first as a Manchester United fan, and it is not until the time when the club's fans had a problem and because of violence that they were banned by FIFA and the club played in an empty stadium for a year,” he said. “That is when I migrated briefly to Liverpool and then eventually found my way to Arsenal.”

He added proudly, “I am an Arsène Wenger Arsenalian, and we are the only club to have produced the invincibles.”

At home, Raila was a long-time supporter of Gor Mahia FC, one of Kenya’s most successful and historic clubs. He frequently referred to himself as Gor Mahia’s number one fan and often attended their matches, proudly wearing the club’s green and white colours.

But Raila’s passion for football went beyond fandom. He often spoke of the game as a tool for unity and youth empowerment, advocating for greater investment in sports infrastructure, grassroots leagues, and talent development programmes. He believed that football could help transform lives and bridge Kenya’s political and social divides.

Following his death on October 15, 2025, Arsenal Fan TV sent a condolence message recognising his enduring contribution to football culture in Africa  a gesture that deeply resonated with Kenyan supporters of the North London club.

Arsenal Football Club, founded in 1886 in Woolwich, South London, by armament factory workers from the Royal Arsenal, earned its nickname “The Gunners” from those roots. Originally named Dial Square, it later became Royal Arsenal and eventually Woolwich Arsenal.

The club’s modern identity was shaped by French manager Arsène Wenger, who transformed Arsenal into a football powerhouse. Through a combination of tactical innovation, stylish attacking football, and a focus on youth development, Wenger led the team to three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups. His 2003–04 side went an entire league season unbeaten  the famous “Invincibles,” a feat unmatched in Premier League history.

Wenger also oversaw the club’s move from Highbury to the Emirates Stadium in 2006, a symbol of Arsenal’s ambition and growth. After his departure in 2018, the club underwent a rebuilding phase under Unai Emery and later Mikel Arteta, who has restored competitiveness with a dynamic young squad and a clear tactical philosophy.

Under Arteta, Arsenal won the 2020 FA Cup and re-established themselves among England’s elite. Today, the club enjoys one of the largest fan bases in the world, with millions of supporters across Africa  including Kenya, where Arsenal has long been a favourite among both football fans and political figures.

For Ruto and many Kenyans, Raila’s legacy as a passionate football supporter endures alongside his political career  a reminder that even in the heat of politics, the love of the game can bring people together.

Ruto Pays Tribute to Raila Odinga’s Love for Arsenal During EPL Trophy Tour in Nairobi