FACTCHECK: Did the Arsenal F.C. Premier League Trophy Really Arrive in Kenya for a Parade?
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Thousands of Arsenal supporters gathered at the Kenya National Archives in Nairobi CBD on Wednesday, May 27, for a colorful trophy parade and celebration following the club’s historic English Premier League title win after 22 years.
Fans dressed in Arsenal’s famous red and white colors marched through Moi Avenue singing club chants, waving flags, dancing, and taking photos with what many believed to be the official Premier League trophy.
The celebrations happened just two days after thousands of Arsenal fans filled the streets of Nairobi on Sunday evening to celebrate the club winning the 2025/26 English Premier League title.
The celebrations caused temporary traffic delays in some parts of the Central Business District (CBD) .
However, claims circulating online that the real Premier League trophy had arrived in Kenya for an official parade are FALSE.
EPL Trophy Used During Nairobi Celebrations
Videos and photos shared online showed popular Arsenal supporter and social media influencer Usefulidioty, popularly known among fans as “Arsenal General”, receiving a trophy at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
In the viral clips, the trophy was transported inside a large metallic case and accompanied by a Caucasian man, leading some supporters online to speculate that Arsenal or the Premier League had officially brought the real trophy to Kenya.
Also Read: Ruto Pays Emotional Tribute to Arsenal After Winning EPL Title After 22 Years
But evidence shows the trophy displayed during the Nairobi celebrations was a replica and not the official Premier League silverware.
During the Wednesday celebrations, fans openly carried and posed with the trophy replica as part of the fan-led festivities organized by local Arsenal supporters ahead of Arsenal’s official title parade in London.
The event featured live entertainment, chants, music, cake-cutting ceremonies, and a symbolic parade through the CBD as supporters celebrated manager Mikel Arteta leading Arsenal to their first league title in more than two decades.
Why the Real Trophy Was Unlikely to Be in Kenya
Arsenal has already confirmed that its official Premier League winners’ parade will take place in London on Sunday, May 31, around Islington and Emirates Stadium.
Traditionally, the official domestic parade in England happens before any global promotional trophy tours.
Additionally, when the official Premier League trophy travels internationally during league activities, such tours are normally coordinated directly by the Premier League and commercial sponsors under strict protocols.
Such events usually involve:
- Official Premier League trophy custodians and security teams
- Retired football legends or former title winners acting as ambassadors
- Sponsoring brand representatives
- Football association officials from the host country
No known Premier League legends, former Arsenal title winners, or official league representatives were present during the Nairobi event.
Additionally, there was no official announcement from Arsenal F.C. or the Premier League confirming that the authentic trophy had been transported to Kenya.
Arsenal’s official parade details published on the club website also indicate the main trophy celebrations are scheduled to happen in London this Sunday.
Fan Celebration Still Drew Massive Crowds
Despite the confusion surrounding the trophy, the Nairobi celebrations attracted thousands of passionate supporters from across the country.
Nairobi County Chief Officer for Citizen Engagement Geoffrey Mosiria was among public figures spotted at the event alongside Usefulidioty.
Although the celebrations in Nairobi were real and lively, there is no clear proof that the official Premier League trophy was brought to Kenya for the parade.
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Arsenal players celebrating the EPL title on Sunday May 24 2026. PHOTO/Premier League