NAIROBI, Kenya – President William Ruto has declared that Arsenal boasts the largest football fan base in Kenya, using the opportunity to tease Manchester United supporters while reaffirming the country’s deep passion for football.
Speaking at State House in Nairobi during a ceremony to celebrate Migori Youth FC’s promotion to the Kenya Premier League, the President said football remains the most popular sport among Kenyans, with millions following both local clubs and leading international teams.
Ruto, who has publicly identified himself as an Arsenal supporter, joked that Manchester United fans often claim victories at will, but suggested the club has recently been overshadowed by stronger rivals.
“I’ve seen people from Manchester say they win whenever they want. But this time around, they know that there are teams better than them,” he said.
The President went on to claim that Arsenal enjoys the largest following in Kenya, adding in a light-hearted remark that the North London club occasionally allows other teams to enjoy success before reasserting itself.
“I think in Kenya, we have the biggest fan base as Arsenal. We allow others to win for a while, then we come back and demonstrate who is really around,” he said.
Beyond the football banter, Ruto said sports remain a key pillar of the government’s youth empowerment agenda.
He noted that investments in sports, the creative and digital economy, affordable housing, infrastructure, overseas employment and business support are aimed at creating millions of jobs for young people.
The President revealed that the government is currently building and upgrading 34 stadiums across the country to improve sports infrastructure and provide better opportunities for talent development.
He said the investments are already yielding results, pointing to Kenya’s continued dominance in athletics and the Junior Starlets’ historic qualification for the 2026 FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup.
As part of the celebrations, Ruto presented Migori Youth FC with a team bus to facilitate travel during their debut season in the Kenya Premier League following promotion from the National Super League.
He also announced that the government is constructing a modern stadium in Migori County to support the club and create better sporting facilities for the wider community.