Massive celebrations erupted across Kenya after Arsenal’s Premier League triumph, with fans taking over streets in Nairobi, Kisumu, Nakuru, Mombasa, Eldoret, and several other towns in scenes that remained largely peaceful.
In Nairobi, supporters gathered around Archives, Moi Avenue, and Ronald Ngala Street before marching towards Roysambu while singing, dancing, and waving Arsenal flags.
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The celebrations, which had been widely planned online days earlier, drew comparisons to how youth-led protests are often handled in Kenya.
The discussion intensified after Kenyan journalist Larry Madowo questioned why football fans were allowed to gather peacefully while anti-government demonstrations frequently faced heavy police action.
“Kenyan police allowed Arsenal fans to gather and disperse peacefully, but they never allow the same youth to protest against the government without killing some,” Madowo wrote.
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For days, Arsenal supporters had openly mobilised online, announcing planned celebrations at places including Ngong Hills, Nairobi CBD, and various entertainment spots across the country.
Fans shared posters, meeting points, and routes on social media platforms, encouraging fellow supporters to come out in large numbers following Arsenal’s title win.
In Nairobi, roads around Archives, Moi Avenue, and Ronald Ngala Street were filled with chanting supporters wearing Arsenal jerseys and carrying banners.
Similar celebrations were witnessed in Kisumu, Nakuru, Mombasa, Eldoret, Thika, and Nyeri, where football fans marched through towns in convoys of motorcycles, tuk-tuks, and private vehicles.
Despite the huge crowds, videos from the celebrations showed little police confrontation, no widespread tear gas incidents, and no major chaos.
“The same way protests are announced is the same way Arsenal fans announced their celebrations,” one user wrote online.
Fans Defend Peaceful Celebrations
A section of Kenyans argued that Arsenal fans celebrated peacefully without destruction, looting, or violence.
“Arsenal fans didn't throw stones or break into any shops. They didn't terrorise citizens and steal their phones like protestors do,” one user commented.
Another wrote:
“Because they were not burning any businesses and they were peaceful.”
Others joked about the different treatment by police during the celebrations.
“Ama tuingie maandamano na jersey ya Arsenal,” one fan wrote.
Another added:
“Police, too, are Gunners.”
Some supporters insisted that football celebrations and political demonstrations should not be compared.
“Governance and football are two different things, buana,” another user commented.
Others argued that police response depends on the level of risk expected during gatherings.
“Police have done their risk assessment, green lights given for Arsenal fans to enjoy on the street,” one comment read.
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One user responded:
“You can support a colonial master’s football team, but don't dare hold your own government accountable. Is that the message?”
Another questioned the journalist directly:
“Larry Madowo, you work for colonial masters too. Why didn’t you remain at NTV?”
Madowo later clarified that he was also celebrating Arsenal’s victory despite his criticism.
“And I say this as an Arsenal fan. I’m just as excited as these guys about the title. But it is still a football team of a former colonial master — a distraction a whole continent away,” he wrote.
