EVIAN, France — President William Ruto has invited Arsenal FC to visit Kenya following the club’s historic English Premier League title victory that sparked massive celebrations across Nairobi and other parts of the country.
Speaking to Reuters on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France, Ruto said he had already extended an invitation to the North London club, citing its enormous fan base in Kenya.
“I have sent an invitation because I think it would be a great moment for Arsenal to come to Kenya. They have great fans,” Ruto said.
The President, a longtime Arsenal supporter, admitted he was surprised by the scale of celebrations that erupted after manager Mikel Arteta guided the club to its first Premier League title in 22 years.
“Arsenal finally closed the gap, and it was a huge celebration. I was shocked in Nairobi,” he said.
He added that the government was exploring the possibility of hosting the club next year.
“It was a big celebration, and I am trying to see whether sometime next year Arsenal can come to Kenya,” Ruto said.
Thousands Flooded Nairobi Streets
On May 24, thousands of Arsenal supporters poured into Nairobi’s Central Business District to celebrate the club’s league triumph, turning major streets into a sea of red and white.
Fans carrying club flags, banners, and jerseys marched through the city, chanting Arsenal songs as traffic ground to a halt in several sections of the capital.
Images and videos of the celebrations quickly gained international attention, highlighting Kenya’s status as one of Arsenal’s strongest fan bases outside Europe.
Ruto said the overwhelming turnout demonstrated why Kenya would be an ideal destination for the club should it decide to tour Africa.
Talanta Stadium Could Host International Friendly
The invitation comes as Kenya prepares to unveil the new Talanta Stadium, a 60,000-seat venue currently under construction at Jamhuri Grounds in Nairobi.
Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya recently announced that construction had reached 91 per cent completion, with the facility expected to be ready next month.
The stadium has been floated as a potential venue for a high-profile international exhibition match, with Arsenal among the clubs frequently mentioned as possible participants during the opening celebrations.
However, no official agreement has been announced between the government and the club regarding a visit.
Growing African Football Connections
Several top English clubs have previously undertaken tours and friendly matches in Africa. Clubs including Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool FC, and Tottenham Hotspur have played matches in South Africa, while Everton FC has previously featured in Tanzania.
Should Arsenal accept the invitation, it would mark one of the biggest football events ever hosted in Kenya and further cement the country’s growing ambition to position itself as a regional sporting hub.
The proposed visit would also provide Kenyan supporters with a rare opportunity to watch their beloved club in action on home soil, following decades of passionate support from across the country.
