Ruto invites Arsenal after Kenyan fans celebrate title win

Kenya's President William Ruto attends an interview with Reuters on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, June 17, 2026. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse

Kenya's soccer-mad President William Ruto, an avid Arsenal fan, said on ​Thursday he had invited the Premier ‌League champions to visit after thousands of jubilant supporters flooded Nairobi's streets to celebrate the club’s ​first title in more than 20 ​years.

The North London side ended their 22-year ⁠wait for the Premier League crown ​at the end of May, sparking wild ​celebrations across the Kenyan capital.

"Arsenal finally closed the gap, and it was a huge celebration. I was ​shocked in Nairobi," Ruto told Reuters in ​an interview at the G7 summit in France.

"It was ‌a ⁠big celebration, and I am trying to see whether sometime next year Arsenal can come to Kenya," he said.

Thousands of Kenyan ​Arsenal supporters ​took to ⁠the streets dressed in the club's red and white colours ​and waving flags as Arsenal saw ​off ⁠competition from close rivals Manchester City.

"I have sent an invitation because I think it would ⁠be ​a great moment for ​Arsenal to come to Kenya. They have great fans," ​Ruto said.

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