We lost a true Gunner’: Ruto recalls football banter with Raila

President William Ruto has shared a light moment about the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, recalling how football and their shared support for Arsenal, often sparked friendly banter between them.

Speaking on Friday during the English Premier League trophy tour at State House, Nairobi, Ruto said he and Raila would often take time off political matters to discuss football.

“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 fondly remembered their discussions and the spirited exchanges that came with being Arsenal supporters.

“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.

Ruto said he enjoyed the engagement, the competition and the camaraderie that football brings.

He expressed optimism that Arsenal would ‘sail through’ this season, noting that football fosters unity and joy even beyond politics.

Lightening up the room, Ruto said in a formal tone,“We sympathise with Manchester United,” prompting laughter from the crowd before he joined in, noting that such humour defines the spirit of football.

A proud Arsenal fan himself, the President thanked the EPL for choosing Kenya as part of its trophy tour, describing it as a recognition of the country’s deep passion for football.

“We look forward to a greater partnership. We are expanding football infrastructure,” he said.

“We are setting up an array of sports academies across the country, about 30 of them, and I have already instructed the Ministry of Sports to work with us to develop another 22 stadiums across Kenya.”

The EPL trophy tour brought together football enthusiasts and dignitaries with the President reaffirming Kenya’s commitment to nurturing sports talent as the country prepares to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

“That is when I migrated briefly to Liverpool and then eventually found my way to Arsenal.”

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

Back home, Raila was a long-time supporter of Gor Mahia FC, one of Kenya’s most successful and historic football clubs. 

He frequently referred to himself as Gor Mahia’s number one fan and often attended their matches, proudly donning the team’s green and white colours.

But his connection to football went beyond fandom. Raila often spoke of football as a tool for unity and youth empowerment. 

He pushed for more investment in sports infrastructure, grassroots leagues, and talent development programmes, believing that football could help transform lives and bridge political and social divides.

Recognising him, Arsenal fan TV sent a condoling emotion following Raila’s passing on Wednesday, October 15, 2025.

Briefly about Arsenal 

Arsenal Football Club was founded in 1886 in Woolwich, South London, by a group of armament factory workers from the Royal Arsenal — hence the club’s nickname, “The Gunners.” 

Originally named Dial Square, it was soon renamed Royal Arsenal, then Woolwich Arsenal.

In the late 19th century to early 21st century, Frenchman Arsène Wenger transformed Arsenal into a modern football powerhouse. 

Combining scientific training methods, global scouting, and stylish attacking football, he led the club to three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups. His 2003–04 team went an entire league season unbeaten, the famed “Invincibles”, a feat unmatched in Premier League history.

Wenger also oversaw the move from Highbury to the new Emirates Stadium in 2006, a state-of-the-art arena that symbolised the club’s ambition.

After Wenger’s departure in 2018, Arsenal underwent a rebuilding phase under Unai Emery, followed by former captain Mikel Arteta, who has revitalised the team with young talent, tactical discipline, and an emphasis on high pressing and creativity.

Under Arteta, Arsenal won the 2020 FA Cup and have re-established themselves as strong title contenders in the Premier League.

Today, Arsenal remains one of the world’s most supported clubs, with millions of fans across Africa, including Kenya, where the team enjoys passionate followership among football enthusiasts and political leaders alike.