Arsenal fans on Sunday brought Nairobi’s City Central Business District to a near standstill as they celebrated ahead of their long-awaited coronation as English Premier League champions.
From the heart of the city centre to the sprawling estates, the capital was awash with Arsenal’s iconic red and white jerseys, complemented by the club’s blue away kit and white third strip, as jubilant supporters painted the town in the club’s colours.
Arsenal fans dance in the streets of Nairobi ahead of being handed the Premier League trophy on Sunday.
Photo credit: Dennis Onsongo | Nation Media Group
Kimathi Street, OTC, Moi Avenue, Jogoo Road, Mombasa Road, Uhuru Highway and surrounding parts of the city were transformed into a sea of red and white, with thousands of fans pouring into the streets in anticipation of Arsenal’s final match against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, London on Sunday.
The deafening sounds of hooting buses, blaring vuvuzelas and shrill whistles filled the air as ecstatic supporters broke into song and dance, celebrating what has been a long-awaited return to glory.
Arsenal fans throng the streets of Nairobi ahead of being handed the Premier League trophy on Sunday.
Photo credit: Dennis Onsongo | Nation Media Group
Across estates and neighbourhoods, it was nearly impossible to walk a few metres without spotting an Arsenal fan proudly strolling through the streets, smiling and soaking in the moment.
For many supporters, this is more than just a title, it is the end of a painful Premier League drought stretching back to Arsenal’s legendary “Invincibles” era and their unbeaten 2003/2004 campaign.
Arsenal fans paint the streets of Nairobi red and white ahead of the historic EPL coronation after 22 years of waiting.
Photo credit: Dennis Onsongo | Nation Media Group
The Gunners were officially crowned champions on Wednesday after their closest challengers, Manchester City, were held to a 1-1 draw by Bournemouth, handing Arsenal the title before they had even kicked a ball this weekend.
At the Tom Mboya monument, traders cashed in on the frenzy, selling Arsenal merchandise ranging from jerseys and caps to flags and vuvuzelas. The area turned into a carnival, with groups of fans dancing through the streets in celebration.
The gathering had been organised as an open call for Arsenal supporters across Nairobi to come together and celebrate the club’s long-awaited triumph.
Arsenal Football Club fans treat themselves to a delicacy after at Wave XO club in Nakuru Town on May 24, 2026. The club was declared English Premier League champions.
Photo credit: Boniface Mwangi | Nation Media Group
“Let’s show Nairobi what it means to be Gooners,” the poster read. “You are all invited.”
The excitement spilled into public transport, with several matatus flying Arsenal flags as passengers joined in the festivities.
“I’m very happy and never thought such a time would come because we have been ridiculed for a long time. With these celebrations and what is happening in other parts of the world, it is no secret Arsenal is the most cheered team,” said Arsenal fan Joseph Onyango outside Nation Centre, where a group of supporters had burst into songs and danced.
Arsenal fans enjoy themselves along Kenyatta Avenue in Nakuru Town on May 24, 2026 after the club was declared English Premier League champions.
Photo credit: Boniface Mwangi | Nation Media Group
“The feeling is sweet, I have walked all over and everyone is celebrating. When we win the Champions League, Manchester United fans will still feel more pain. This is the beginning of our success in football,” said Peter Kemboi, a fan from Umoja Innercore who plans to watch the match at one of Nairobi’s popular social spots.
For Arsenal fans in Nairobi, Sunday is not just about lifting a trophy, it is about reclaiming pride, ending years of mockery, and dreaming once again of a new era of football dominance.
Arsenal fans are served with a delicacy at their goat-eating event at Wave XO club in Nakuru Town on May 24, 2026. The club was declared English Premier League champions.
Photo credit: Boniface Mwangi | Nation Media Group
