President William Ruto hosted the English Premier League (EPL) Trophy Tour at State House, Nairobi, embracing the excitement and deep-seated love for football in Kenya. The President hailed the trophy as one of the “iconic trophies in global sports” and extended a warm welcome to the EPL officials.
“Welcome to Kenya, the home of humanity, and the most passionate football fans anywhere in the world,” the President said, urging the guests to enjoy their stay in the beautiful country.
President Ruto emphasised the profound role of football in the nation’s story, noting that the sport is deeply ingrained in the Kenyan identity.
The President paid tribute to Kenyan football legends who have shone on the global stage:
The late Joe Kadenge, a brilliant football icon, Victor Wanyama, who proudly represented Kenya in the Premier League and McDonald Mariga, the first Kenyan to win the UEFA Champions League, he won the UEFA Champions League with Inter Milan in the 2009-2010 season.
“These are men who inspired generations and reminded us that Kenyan talent belongs to the world stage.”
Ruto affectionately described Kenya as “a football grazing nation.” He observed that Kenyans don’t just watch the Premier League,
“live it, we breathe Premier League and we argue about it every weekend like we own the clubs ourselves.” he said
The passion, the President highlighted, cuts across team lines, creating a vibrant energy across the country.
“Whether you are red, blue or sky blue, whether you are Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City you can feel the energy across our towns, estates, the villages every day in every match.”
In a candid moment, the President declared himself a “proud Arsenal fan.” He acknowledged the recent difficulties faced by the “Gunners,” mentioning “heartbreaks and near misses” over the last two decades. However, he expressed renewed confidence,
“If you have been watching the Gunners lately then you’ll know the style, the swagger and the spirit, it all coming alive again. So to our friends in the EPL and across Europe, watch out, Arsenal is back!”
The State House event was a product of collaboration between the Premier League, Guinness, and East African Breweries Limited (EABL). The President praised EABL, a company with a century-long history in Kenya, for its role.
Since its inception in 1922, EABL has demonstrated the spirit of Kenyan innovation. Through its flagship brand Guinness, it brings people together and facilitates global sporting partnerships like the Trophy Tour.
Beyond commercial success, EABL champions talent and communities, investing over Ksh 300 million annually in football, rugby, golf, athletics and various sports.
This investment is crucial for nurturing talent and building opportunities for young Kenyans.
President Ruto reiterated his administration’s commitment to developing Kenyan talent through strategic investments.
“My administration is committed to nurturing talents, where he is investing in sports academies, community facilities, and the creative economy. Sports is about empowerment and building national pride.”
In a final appeal, the President urged Kenyans to support the Harambee Starlets team in their upcoming match against Gambia, expressing confidence that the team has “what it takes to win the match.”
The President took a moment to reflect on the recent loss of a prominent football fan.
“Unfortunately, we lost one of Arsenal’s biggest fans, the Hon. Raila Odinga, and we really feel like we lost somebody who was always in the game,” he said, before playfully consoling with Manchester United fans on their current form, calling it “the nature of football.”
He concluded by thanking the EPL for choosing Kenya and looked forward to an expanded partnership as the nation works to strengthen its football infrastructure, confirming that Kenya is indeed “a great sporting nation.”
