Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja surprised a group of excited Arsenal supporters in the city centre on Wednesday by giving them KSh 50,000 to mark their team’s long-awaited English Premier League victory. The cash came as fans packed the streets in red jerseys, singing and dancing after Arsenal finally lifted the title following 22 years of waiting.
The crowd gathered in Nairobi’s Central Business District, turning busy roads into a sea of red and white. Motorists honked along, and some office workers stepped out to join the party.
Sakaja moved easily among them, laughing and chatting as the fans shared their joy. One supporter shouted above the noise, “It has been 22 years, but we are here now, is it not so?” The group erupted in cheers.
Fans Push for Protection at Work
Many in the crowd wore Arsenal shirts and worried about what bosses might say the next day. They asked Sakaja directly to make sure no one got in trouble for showing up to county offices in team colours.
“If there are public servants who support Arsenal and they wear red jerseys, the human resource office should not punish them,” the fans told him, drawing laughs and applause.
Sakaja listened and nodded along, clearly enjoying the moment. The fans also spoke about their plans to travel to Bondo to honour the late Raila Odinga, a well-known Arsenal supporter.
The governor quickly agreed to help. “I will organise transport to get you to Bondo,” he told the group. He also collected their contacts and handed over the KSh 50,000 on the spot, saying they deserved something extra for the day. The money will go toward celebrations as the fans prepare their trip to Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Siaya County.
A Special Trip to Bondo
The connection between Arsenal and Raila Odinga runs deep for many Kenyan fans. Supporters have visited his resting place before, singing club anthems and leaving jerseys as tributes. This new journey feels extra meaningful after the title win.
One fan in the crowd, part of the group led by popular Arsenal voice UsefulIdiot, beamed as he spoke about bringing the spirit of the victory to Bondo.
The energy was high under the midday sun, with flags waving and phones held up to capture every second. Nearby buildings and trees provided a bit of shade as the celebration spilt across the pavement.
Arsenal’s win capped a strong season under Mikel Arteta. The team stayed at the top for much of the year and held off Manchester City in the final stretch.
The title was confirmed after City’s draw at Bournemouth, ending years of near misses for the Gunners faithful worldwide, including the loud and loyal group in Kenya.
Sakaja’s gesture stood out for its simplicity and timing. He did not make a long speech but connected directly with the people in front of him.
The moment highlighted how football brings Kenyans together across politics and daily struggles. For a few hours in the CBD, the focus stayed on joy, shared memories of tough seasons, and hope for more good times ahead.
Businesses nearby paused briefly as staff and customers watched or joined in. The temporary traffic hold-up felt minor compared to the smiles everywhere. Fans left the gathering with extra money in hand and a promise of transport, already talking about what they would do in Bondo.
This celebration joins others across the country, from prayer sessions to street parties. It shows once again how deeply the Premier League touches lives here, turning Wednesday into a memorable day for Arsenal supporters in Nairobi.
