President William Ruto has reflected on the camaraderie and friendly debates he shared with the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, particularly around Arsenal’s performance in the English Premier League.

Speaking during the English Premier League Trophy tour at State House, Nairobi, on Friday, October 24, 2025, he noted that their conversations often focused on the club’s struggles and near-misses over the years, offering light-hearted moments away from political pressure.

Ruto recalled, “Unfortunately, we lost one of our big Arsenal fans, Raila Odinga, and we really feel that we lost somebody who was always in the game with us.”

He highlighted how their shared passion for football created moments of connection and light-hearted discussion away from political matters, emphasising the personal loss of a friend and fellow enthusiast whose presence had always brought energy and engagement to their conversations about the game.

“We used to, wherever we were not discussing difficult stuff, we used to discuss how not so well we were doing, but I’m happy that things are looking up.”

Football as a unifying force

During the English Premier League Trophy tour at State House, Ruto expressed optimism over Arsenal’s resurgence in the ongoing season, noting that the club was regaining form after years of near-successes.

He also shared friendly banter regarding Arsenal’s arch-rivals, Manchester United, who have had a challenging start to the campaign.

The president highlighted the competitiveness of the Premier League, observing how football provides moments of engagement and amusement even for leaders, while underlining Arsenal’s improving performance in the league standings.

The EPL Trophy tour underscored the deep-rooted football culture in Kenya, where clubs like Arsenal and Manchester United attract massive followings.

Ruto emphasised how football transcends politics, bringing together leaders and citizens through shared excitement, debates, and friendly rivalry.

He reflected on the passion Kenyans have for the Premier League, noting how football conversations dominate weekends across the country.

He said, “We breathe Premier League and argue about it every weekend as if we owned the clubs ourselves. Whether you are red, blue or sky blue, whether you are Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City, you can feel the energy across our towns, estates, the villages and every day in every match.” According to Ruto, this shared love for football brings communities together, sparking debates and excitement that transcend cities and villages alike.