President William Ruto, on Friday, turned a formal event into a lively football celebration as he hosted the English Premier League (EPL) trophy at State House, Nairobi.

The President, a known Arsenal supporter, blended humour and national pride while addressing guests from the Premier League, East African Breweries Limited (EABL), and local football enthusiasts.

“It’s indeed a moment of great joy for me to be part of this celebration of receiving this very coveted and iconic cup,” Ruto said, describing the trophy as “one of the most iconic in global sport.”

He warmly welcomed the Premier League delegation to Kenya, calling it “the home of humanity” and “the home of the most passionate football fans anywhere in the world.”

Celebrating Kenya’s Football Heritage

Ruto paid tribute to Kenyan football legends who have made their mark both locally and internationally.

“Football runs deep in our national story,” he said.

“From the dazzling brilliance of the late Joe Kadenge to Victor Wanyama, who flew our flag high in the Premier League, and of course our own McDonald Mariga, the first Kenyan to win the UEFA Champions League,” Ruto lamented.

The President praised the trio for inspiring generations of footballers and reminding the world that “Kenyan talent belongs on the global stage.”

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A Nation That Lives and Breathes Football

Ruto described Kenya as a “football-crazy nation,” noting that fans don’t just watch the Premier League but “live it and breathe it.”

“We argue about it every weekend as if we owned the clubs ourselves,” he said, drawing laughter from the crowd.

“Whether you are red; blue, or sky blue, Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, or Manchester City, you can feel the energy across our towns, estates, and villages.”

Ruto’s Arsenal Pride and Playful Banter

The President could not resist teasing rival supporters.

“As many of you know, I am a proud Arsenal fan,” he said with a grin.

“It’s true that the last two decades have not been easy for us. We’ve had heartbreaks and near misses, but if you’ve been watching closely, you’ll see the style, the swagger, the spirit, it’s all coming alive again.”

In a direct message to other fans, Ruto declared confidently, “To our friends in the EPL and across Europe, watch out, Arsenal is back.”

President Ruto also jokingly sympathized with Manchester United after the club’s recent struggles.

“We sympathize with Manchester United, but I think it is the nature of football,” Ruto said.

Partnership Behind the Celebration

The event was made possible through a collaboration between the Premier League, Guinness, the official beer sponsor of the league, and East African Breweries Limited (EABL).

Ruto lauded EABL’s long-standing contribution to Kenya’s growth, noting that the company “has been part of Kenya’s story for over a century.”

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Kenyan President William Ruto and Former Nigerian Footballer Jay-Jay Okocha with the English Premier League (EPL) Trophy. PHOTO/ Courtesy.