Arsenal sends memorabilia to honour Raila Odinga

English football club Arsenal F.C. has sent memorabilia to honour longtime fan, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Orange Democratic Movement communications director Philip Etale said he received a parcel addressed to him from London containing items sent in remembrance of Raila, popularly known as Baba, who was widely known for his support of Arsenal.

In a video posted on X, Etale explained that the package was dispatched from London to Nairobi and addressed to him as an Arsenal supporter in honour of Raila.

“This parcel I have just received today, and I think it was sent in January and could have been delayed by the post office, which may have failed to notify our office that I had a parcel sent to the postal address belonging to ODM,” Etale said.

“It is from my favourite football team, Arsenal, the Gunners. It is written ‘Arsenal remembers Raila Odinga’. It was dispatched from London to Nairobi, addressed to Philip Etale, an Arsenal fan, in remembrance of Baba Raila Odinga, a die-hard fan of Arsenal FC. It is memorabilia for Raila.”

Etale added that he intends to hand over the memorabilia to Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to UNEP, Ida Odinga, so it can be kept in memory of the veteran politician.

“I will look for Mama Ida Odinga to give her the gift for keeps in memory of Raila. Thank you, Arsenal, for remembering Raila. Arsenal forever, Gunner forever,” he said.

Raila was a passionate supporter of the English club Arsenal FC, and his love for the Gunners was acknowledged both locally and internationally.

The former Prime Minister's deep connection with football was well known to Kenyans. Whether in stadiums or political rallies, the seasoned leader never hid his passion for the sport.

His dedication to Arsenal FC often made headlines, as he was fond of analysing their matches and joking about the team’s fortunes — or misfortunes—with the same seriousness he brought to national affairs.

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.