Arsenal fans mourn Raila as a passionate supporter
By Joel Masibo, October 17, 2025Arsenal Fan TV has joined Kenyans and other mourners across the world to mourn the death of Kenya’s former prime minister, Raila Odinga, a staunch supporter of the English Premier League club.
AFTV, founded by Robbie Lyle, is a widely recognised platform that brings together Arsenal supporters for club updates and interactions. At the time of his demise on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, Raila Odinga was a great supporter of the Gunners.
Following his support towards Arsenal, AFTV joined Kenyans at large in their last respects to Raila Odinga during his state funeral held at the Nyayo National Stadium on Friday, October 17, 2025.
AFTV also shared the old photo of Raila Odinga with his daughter Winnie Odinga and son Raila Odinga Junior at the Emirates Stadium, taken during one of Arsenal’s matches.
”Everyone at AFTV is deeply saddened by the passing of former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga. As a passionate Arsenal supporter and a friend to our community, his warmth and commitment inspired many. His legacy will live on, not only among Arsenal fans but across Kenya, where his leadership and love for the game touched countless lives. Rest in peace, Mr Odinga. Thank you for being an incredible part of the Arsenal family,” AFTV said in a statement.
Aside from paying tribute to Raila Odinga, AFTV is gradually developing roots in Kenyan football. In August 2025, Kenya’s Deputy High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Joseph Warui, met Robbie Lyle to explore ways of amplifying African football’s global visibility.
“Football is a unifying force and a powerful economic driver. What African football needs is visibility, and Robbie’s platform can play a significant role in shifting global perceptions,” said Ambassador Warui.
Gor Mahia mourns Raila
Meanwhile, Raila Odinga was also a fan of local footbal. Until his death, Odinga was the official club patron of record Kenyan Premier champions Gor Mahia, who have also paid their tribute. Shortly after attending the late ODM leader’s state funeral at the Nyayo National Stadium on Friday, October 17, 2025, the club mourned Raila Odinga in a moving tribute ahead of his burial ceremony scheduled for Sunday, October 19, 2025, at his Bondo home in Siaya County.
”In profound sorrow, we bid farewell to a true pillar of our club, one of our most devoted fans, our Patron Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga. Through every high and low, his unwavering support, steadfast leadership and allegiance to Mahia never faltered. Rest In Peace, Baba,” the statement said.