President William Ruto sparked a wave of online criticism in the early hours of Wednesday, 20 May 2026. The backlash followed a lengthy message he posted celebrating Arsenal Football Club.
The team had just won the English Premier League for the first time in 22 years.
The President’s tribute praised the "power of hope, resilience, focus and relentless hardwork" displayed by the London-based team. However, many Kenyans felt the timing was insensitive. While the President was quick to comment on foreign football, he remained notably silent on several domestic crises.
The Social Media Storm
A Kenyan user on X, Nana Wami (@AonjelaPel), was among the first to point out the contrast in the President’s response times.
“President has a message for Arsenal but not for the fuel crisis. Awuoro bana,” the post read.
The post quickly gained traction. She questioned why there was a message for Arsenal but nothing regarding the current fuel crisis.
"Literally every crisis in this country, he is silent," Wami wrote. "Only vocal about things that don't relate to us."
The sentiment was echoed by many others. Some users described the President’s focus on football as a disrespect to the Kenyan public. Others suggested the President is not a genuine fan and was simply trying to "fit in" with a trending global event.
Domestic Unrest and Loss of Life
The online criticism highlights a growing frustration over a two-day public transport strike. The protests have led to significant disruption across the country. More gravely, reports indicate a loss of lives and property during the unrest.
One respondent, Isaac BOBO Mwangi, reminded the President of the "12 people killed and reports of missing children” during the 2-day matatu protests. Others pointed out a lack of support for local talent, such as Kenyan skaters, while the President celebrated European athletes.
The Cost of Governance
The President’s frequent international travel was also a point of contention. User @PettiKim claimed his "global trotting" involves flights costing an estimated Kes 3 million per hour.
Critics argued that these "unnecessary trips" contrast sharply with the financial struggles of ordinary citizens. One user, Ochieng™, noted that there was "no statement" on the fuel crisis even as congratulations were being sent to the Gunners.
"Fuel crisis hakuna statement, but Arsenal wamepata congratulations." — Ochieng™ (@OchiengKe_)
As the domestic situation remains tense, the President’s focus on international sports has left many questioning the government’s priorities. Some users even suggested that Members of Parliament would be spending their time discussing Arsenal matters rather than addressing the national crisis.
