The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
Related Articles
Arsenal F.C. has sent a package of memorabilia to commemorate the late Raila Odinga, recognizing the Kenyan leader’s long-standing passion for football.
According to Philip Etale, communications director of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), the package arrived in Nairobi after being dispatched from London earlier this year.
Click here to join our WhatsApp Channel
Etale said the parcel, addressed to him as a supporter of Arsenal, contained items in memory of Odinga, who passed away in October 2025 and was widely known for his devotion to the English Premier League club.
“This package arrived today, though it seems it was sent in January and may have been delayed in transit,” Etale said in a video shared on social media.
The parcel included a message stating, “Arsenal remembers Raila Odinga”, and was sent from London as a tribute to one of the club’s most prominent Kenyan supporters.
Etale indicated that he plans to hand the items to Ida Odinga, Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme, so they can be preserved as keepsakes honoring the former Prime Minister.
Odinga was celebrated as one of Kenya’s most passionate football fans, supporting both local and international teams. Locally, he was a longtime patron and leading supporter of Gor Mahia F.C. (K’Ogalo), often attending the Mashemeji Derby against rivals A.F.C. Leopards and hosting players at his home, offering financial and moral support.
Internationally, Odinga was a dedicated Arsenal supporter, having shifted allegiance from Manchester United in the late 1990s after admiring the style of play under legendary manager Arsène Wenger. He frequently visited Emirates Stadium and referenced Arsenal in his public speeches.
He also supported the Kenya national team, regularly attending Harambee Stars matches in Nairobi to cheer on the squad. His connection to football began in his youth, playing as a midfielder for Luo Union F.C. (now Re-Union FC) and later for Bunge FC while serving as a Member of Parliament.
Odinga’s lifelong association with the sport was honored through initiatives like the Raila Odinga Stadium named after him. Following his death, football fans locally and internationally paid tribute to his enduring enthusiasm and dedication to the game.
