Arsenal fans in Kenya paint town red after Premier League title win
“When Erling Haaland scored deep into added time at the end of the second half, cold shivers ran down my spine. I knew Manchester City could still snatch another goal, but when the final whistle blew, I screamed, we had sealed it.”
Those were the words of an emotional Steven Musamali, a Taifa Leo sub-editor, who could hardly contain his excitement after Arsenal scooped the English Premier League title on Tuesday night, their first in 22 years.
Smiling at everyone and everything around him, Musamali joined thousands of jubilant Gunners fans across the country in celebrating a tense and long-awaited triumph.
Manchester City battled to a 1-1 draw away at Burnley, a result that mathematically dropped them out of the title race with one round of matches remaining.
The Gunners will officially be crowned champions on Sunday at Selhurst Park after playing their last league match against Crystal Palace.
Across Kenya, celebrations erupted almost instantly. Social media platforms were flooded with congratulatory messages, memes and emotional tributes. At the same time, some Arsenal supporters seized the opportunity to taunt rivals Manchester United, who last won the league title 14 years ago.
“The video of Arsenal players watching and celebrating has just taken me out of this world. I have shed tears, I don’t know what to say because in the past three seasons it has been close yet too far,” wrote Ignatius Realtor in a WhatsApp group known as Sports that brings together football diehards from different clubs.
“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,” Gunners fan President William Ruto wrote on his social media handles.
He added: “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.”
Alinur Mohamed posted on his Facebook page, “Manchester United haven’t won the Premier League for the last 13 years. They are not a serious football club.”
The celebrations also carried an emotional undertone as fans remembered prominent Arsenal supporters who have since passed away, among them the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. The ODM leader, who died in October last year, was a known Arsenal fan and had visited the Emirates Stadium several times.
“Arsenal have won the league for Baba Raila Amollo Odinga,” wrote Luyali Alumasa on X, accompanying the message with a crying emoji.
Long-awaited Sunday
In the capital city, Nairobi, Arsenal jerseys were prominent on the streets as fans boldly displayed their loyalty.
“This is nice and winning the EPL has washed away the shame and ridicule we would have suffered. I’m putting on my jerseys up to Sunday when we shall lift the trophy,” said Maureen, as she walked along Kimathi Street wearing an Arsenal jersey emblazoned with the number 10 and her name.
Several Arsenal supporters’ groups are planning watch parties this Sunday. Arsenal Fanatics, composed of close to 200 diehard members, plan to celebrate in style at Nairobi’s CBD.
Twenty-two years of waiting have proved not to be in vain.
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