Arsenal owner recognises Kenyan Gunners’ celebrations after Premier League triumph
By Joel Masibo, May 27, 2026Arsenal co-chairman Josh Kroenke has applauded the massive backing the club enjoys in Kenya following their recent Premier League triumph.
The North London side finally ended a 22-year wait for the English league crown, sparking jubilant celebrations among supporters across the globe, with Kenya emerging as one of the standout countries in the festivities.
Thousands of jubilant fans flooded major streets, especially along Thika Road, after Manchester City dropped points against AFC Bournemouth, a result that officially handed Arsenal the title with a game remaining.
Scenes of excitement from Kenya quickly spread internationally, attracting attention from major sports broadcasters and football platforms worldwide.
On Wednesday, May 27, 2027, Kenyan Gunners gathered at the National Archives in Nairobi City centre for a trophy parade.
The celebrations eventually reached the attention of Kroenke, who reacted during a special episode of the Overlap podcast alongside Arsenal icon Ian Wright and former defender Gary Neville.
While discussing the worldwide celebrations, Wright highlighted Kenya among the countries where fans had passionately marked the achievement, prompting Kroenke to respond with “Oh, man!”
Wright went on to explain that Arsenal’s success had united supporters globally and demonstrated the club’s growing influence across continents.
“It is around the world. And this is why people were against us winning because they know what is coming. Our fanbase has been brought together properly. We now see the enormity of our club in what fans are doing,” explained Wright.
Arsenal’s owrnership
Arsenal is owned by American businessman Stan Kroenke through Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, which assumed full ownership of the club in 2018 after gradually increasing its stake over the years.
Josh Kroenke works closely with the daily operations of the club and, together with his father, was present during the title celebrations at Selhurst Park where the trophy was presented to captain Martin Ødegaard.
Meanwhile, popular Kenyan radio presenter and outspoken football enthusiast Joe Gidi has defended Arsenal supporters across Africa who took to the streets in celebration following the club’s English Premier League triumph after 22 years, arguing that critics are failing to understand the global nature of modern football fandom.
In a statement on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, the celebrated broadcaster said football ceased being a purely local affair many years ago and has evolved into a worldwide cultural phenomenon that transcends borders, race and nationality.
“Those mocking Kenyans and Africans for pouring into the streets to celebrate Arsenal’s EPL triumph after 22 years are missing the bigger picture entirely,” said Gidi.
According to him, globalization and technology have transformed football into a shared emotional experience where fans from different continents instantly connect with events happening thousands of kilometres away.
“A goal scored in London is celebrated in Nairobi, Lagos, Accra, Kigali and Johannesburg within seconds. That is the reality of modern globalization,” he stated.
Arsenal will also be hoping to edge Paris Saint Germain in the final on Saturday, May 30, 2026, to lift the UEFA Champions League crown for the first time in the club’s history in Budapest.