Fan’s death shows misplaced priorities

I have been an ardent supporter of Arsenal since 1997, sticking by the team through thick and thin.

But there are reports that one Suleiman Omondi, an Arsenal fan, died in circumstances that are yet to be established although it is rumored he might have committed suicide after Tuesday semi-final loss to Manchester United.

He might just have got himself into the Guinness Book of World Records as a Kenyan supporter who hung himself because of football.

Will Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger attend the funeral of this Arsenal supporter who has taken his life because of his team? If not, he should send a representative.

{Phillip Orwa, via e-mail}

Following Suleiman Omondi’s death, it’s sad to lose a Kenyan in such circumstances.

European football has taken centre stage in Kenya. Fans are predominantly divided into four camps that support Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool.

Most of us can name every player from Team A to Team C, not forgetting the team doctor. But an equally large number of us don’t even know the team that is currently leading in our own Premier League.

So when we hear a person has died for following a league that is thousand of miles away, we should be ashamed of ourselves.

How many are ready to lay down their lives for Harambee Stars or Sofapaka? Why don’t Kenyans get as passionate about things that actually matter to the country?

{Joram Nderitu, Multimedia Varsity}

The incident where an Arsenal fan hung himself was not surprising.

Kenyans have allowed their lives to be overly influenced by extremism and events happening beyond our shores.

When President Barack Obama won the US elections, President Kibaki declared a one-day holiday yet American were working.

Last Labour Day, we broke the record as the first country in the world where leaders sung the National Anthem while fleeing.

Wananchi who are poor are extremely poor while those that are rich are extremely rich.

When we have fun, we go to the extreme.

{Daudi Lokorcholia, West Pokot}

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