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Ruto, politicians, and Kenyan celebrities celebrate Arsenal’s EPL triumph
20th May, 2026 08:20 AM
Kenya and the world came alive on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, following Arsenal’s confirmation as the new English Premier League champions for the 2025/26 season.
Wild scenes were witnessed across several streets in Nairobi as Gunners’ faithful braved the night and cold to celebrate the rare but remarkable feat in the history of the club.
Arsenal were confirmed English Premier League (EPL) champions on Tuesday night, May 19, 2026, after Manchester City failed to win at Bournemouth. Pep Guardiola’s Man City drew 1-1 with Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium to hand Arsenal an unassailable four-point lead with just one match remaining before the end of the season.
Arsenal fans had gathered in the pubs near the Emirates in anticipation of Bournemouth securing a positive result and celebrated wildly at the final whistle, spilling into the street.
Within 10 minutes of the title being confirmed, thousands were marching towards the Emirates.
The celebration quickly spread across the world as the club’s fans celebrated Mikel Arteta ending Arsenal’s two-decade-long wait for the league trophy on the night of the City draw. At home, politicians, celebrities, and sportsmen also joined in congratulating the team.
President William Ruto led the commendations for Arsenal with a post on his social media page. Ruto, a self-proclaimed Arsenal supporter who once tipped Arsenal to lift the league this season, gave a nostalgic recount of Arsenal’s journey from adversity and setbacks.
Ruto’s message
“It has been quite an experience to follow Arsenal Football Club’s epic adventure, from times of struggle and crushing setback to successive seasons of recovery and resurgence on their glorious path to the summit of the English Premier League. Tonight, the great reward is won. The team is victorious. Its faith and dedication is vindicated. And our commitment to succeed through work, discipline, and teamwork is affirmed. Congratulations to the Gunners,” he said.
Media personality Nana Owiti, a fervent Arsenal fan, celebrated the triumph with a post asking the fans to help her on the best outfit she would sport to celebrate the newly achieved feat.
“I could not let the Fundi rain on my parade! Noooo..which one do I wear for the parade, please? Help me choose,”She posed.
Another Arsenal supporter, Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, was concise in his congratulatory message. The speaker posted a brief message on his X page moments after the Gunners’ confirmation as the new champions of England: “Finally Arsenal.”
Nairobi County employee, Geoffrey Mosiria, also celebrated the Gunners’ triumph with a sigh of relief, recounting how the journey to the title has been an arduous one: “It has not been easy. It was Arsenal against the world lakini MUNGU ni Nani. Man-U mnafeel-aje?” he posed.
Meanwhile, other leaders who have congratulated the team include Kenyan heartthrob singer Bien-Aimé Baraza.
He shared his excitement through a famous line from his “Finale Song” online on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, shortly after Arsenal sealed the title. “Champions, and today the prophecy has come to pass. The best is yet to come. LEO SILALIIIIIIIIII,” Bien said.
Media personality Willis Raburu, a staunch Manchester United supporter and Arsenal critic, also could not help but give credit to the new champions. “It’s been a ride of hate and love, and of football. Honour where it’s due! Congratulations Arsenal. For the first time in over two decades! Come On You Gunners! It pains me, but it’s football! It’s Sports, and it’s your time. Enjoy!” Raburu said.
