A group of Arsenal Football Club fans from across Kenya on Sunday made a symbolic pilgrimage to Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County — the final resting place of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga — to honour one of their own, a lifelong Gunner whose passion for the club matched his enduring political legacy.
Clad in Arsenal’s iconic red and white jerseys, the supporters gathered at the Odinga family mausoleum, where they laid wreaths and Arsenal scarves beside Raila’s grave, sang club anthems, and chanted in his memory.
“Arsenal fans from across the country were this morning at Kang’o ka Jaramogi to pay homage to their fellow Gunner, the late Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga,” the ODM Party said in a statement. “The late Odinga was a paid-up member of Arsenal FC and a devoted supporter of the team.”
Fans described the tribute as both emotional and uplifting, saying they wished to celebrate a man who not only shaped Kenya’s political history but also embodied the perseverance and passion synonymous with Arsenal supporters.
Some placed miniature Arsenal flags and matchday programmes at the gravesite, recalling moments when Raila openly shared his excitement — and frustrations — over Arsenal’s performances in the English Premier League.
A passionate football enthusiast, Raila frequently attended local and national matches, his last public appearance at a game being the Kenya vs Zambia CHAN qualifier at Kasarani Stadium on August 17.
