Arsenal F.C. has honoured the late Kenyan opposition leader Raila Amolo Odinga with a special tribute in one of its official matchday programmes.
The tribute appeared in the programme for Arsenal’s English Premier League clash against Liverpool F.C. on January 8, 2026, at the Emirates Stadium in London.
The match ended in a goalless draw, but the programme featured a section titled “Arsenal Remembers”, dedicated to Odinga in recognition of his long-standing support for the North London club.
The programme recently reached Nairobi where it was received by Philip Etale, Director of Communications at the Orange Democratic Movement and a passionate Arsenal supporter.
Sharing the moment on social media, Etale expressed gratitude to the club and said he would personally deliver the tribute to Odinga’s family.
“Thank you Arsenal, my favourite football club. I am in receipt of this booklet albeit belated, in memory of our fellow fan and my former boss the late Raila Amolo Odinga. I am proud of you. This is our season… we shall dedicate it to him,” Etale wrote.
Thank you @Arsenal. My favorite football club. I am in receipt of this booklet albeit belated, in memory of our fellow fan and my former boss the late Raila Amolo Odinga… I am proud of you. This is our season… we shall dedicate it him. pic.twitter.com/LtjQ4EArzX
— Philip Etale (@EtalePhilip) March 11, 2026
Odinga, who died in October 2025, was widely known for his love of football and his unwavering loyalty to Arsenal.
Over the years, he was frequently seen wearing the club’s jersey and openly celebrated the team’s victories, often sharing his enthusiasm with supporters both in Kenya and abroad
The veteran politician also visited the Emirates Stadium on several occasions with members of his family.
Thank you @Arsenal pic.twitter.com/F2Ar8tQPBk
— Philip Etale (@EtalePhilip) March 11, 2026
Images shared online showed Etale holding the matchday programme at his Nairobi office, drawing reactions from Kenyan football fans who viewed the tribute as a rare moment linking the country’s political history with the global football stage.
