Kisumu welcomed the iconic English Premier League trophy on Friday as football fans gathered for a special showcase organised by Guinness, with Deputy Governor Dr Mathew Owili leading tributes to the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga.
The visit brought together football, entertainment and remembrance, celebrating Kenya’s deep connection to the English top flight while honouring Raila, who was widely known for his passionate support of Arsenal Football Club.
Raila, who died on October 15, 2025, was a devoted supporter of the North London club. His love for football extended beyond club loyalties to his longstanding association with local side Gor Mahia.
Guinness brings the trophy closer to Kenyan fans
The Premier League trophy arrived in Kenya ahead of a two-city tour covering Nairobi and Kisumu, giving local supporters an opportunity to see one of football’s most recognisable prizes up close.
The visit on October 16th, 2026, was organised through Guinness, the Premier League’s official beer partner, as part of its Guinness Matchday programme, which combines trophy showcases, fan engagement and live screenings of league matches.
Before travelling to Kisumu, the trophy was received in Nairobi, where Governor Johnson Sakaja welcomed it at City Hall during a courtesy visit by a Kenya Breweries Limited delegation.
The tour was designed to reward the loyalty of Kenyan supporters and bring the excitement of the Premier League closer to fans who follow their favourite teams from thousands of kilometres away.
Guinness Brand Manager Joy Murugi said the initiative was intended to recognise the passion of Kenyan supporters and enhance their matchday experience.
“We remain committed to offering our consumers premium football experiences,” Murugi said.
She added that the trophy’s presence at Guinness Matchday was intended to do more than elevate the event.
“It serves not just to elevate the experience but to recognise the standing of Kenya’s football fans in the support of the Premier League,” she said.
The remarks underscored Kenya’s importance to the competition’s international fan base and the role of local events in bringing supporters together.
In Kisumu, the trophy showcase took on added significance as Owili led tributes to Raila, whose passion for Arsenal made him a familiar figure among Kenyan football followers.
Raila’s death in October 2025 prompted tributes from political leaders and football fans, many of whom remembered him not only as a prominent national figure but also as a devoted follower of the game.
“We celebrate another decorated shujaa — one of the best presidents we will never have — the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga,” Owili said recalling he was a great arsenal team fan.
Reflecting on Raila’s role in the struggle for democracy, Owili also told the gathering: “You all know his painful story in the struggle and fight for democracy in this country.”
The deputy governor further urged residents to turn their admiration for the late leader into meaningful action that would improve people’s lives.
“If there is something you can do to improve the lives of others, please do,” he said.
Although the remarks were made in 2022 rather than at the trophy event, they provide context for Owili’s tribute to a leader whose influence extended across politics, public life and football culture.
Raila’s connection with Arsenal remained a notable part of his public identity. Arsenal later honoured his memory in its official matchday programme for its Premier League fixture against Liverpool on January 8, 2026.
The club’s gesture highlighted the connection between international football institutions and supporters in Kenya, where the Premier League commands a substantial following.
A celebration of football and community
The Kisumu showcase was expected to feature fan interactions and live Premier League screenings at Berlin Kisumu and Dondez Lounge.
The events form part of a wider effort to make the competition more accessible to supporters who follow their favourite clubs from across the world.
For many Kenyan fans, Premier League matchdays are social occasions that bring together supporters of Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City, among other clubs.
The trophy tour offered an opportunity to celebrate that shared passion while connecting local supporters with one of football’s most recognisable prizes.
The visit also provided a moment to reflect on Raila’s legacy and the role football plays in bringing people together across political, cultural and generational lines.
As the trophy tour continued to Nairobi, Guinness planned further fan experiences at Kettle House in Runda and 1824 Lounge.
For Kisumu, the occasion combined the excitement of welcoming a global football symbol with a tribute to a leader whose love for the game was shared by many of his supporters.
The visit served as a reminder that football can be more than a competition: it can also be a powerful source of community, identity and collective memory.
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