×
App Icon
The Standard e-Paper
Truth Without Fear
★★★★ - on Play Store
Download Now

'They looked like me': Why Arsenal became Africa's club

Vocalize Pre-Player Loader

Audio By Vocalize

Kenyan fans of Arsenal FC react following their team’s victory during a live broadcast of the club’s UEFA Champions League semi-final match against Atletico Madrid in Nairobi on May 5, 2026. [Tony Karumba/AFP]

In Kenyan influencer Nana Owiti's wardrobe, dozens of Arsenal jerseys tell the story of her passion for the club.

It's an unbreakable bond that goes back 20 years to the days when the London team's largely black squad made them hugely popular in Africa.

Premium Article

Get Full Access for Ksh299/Week.

Uncover the stories others won't tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access.
Continue Reading  →
What you get
  • Unlimited access to all premium content
  • Ad-free browsing experience
  • Mobile-optimised reading
  • Weekly newsletters & digests
Pay via
M - PESA
VISA
Airtel Money
Secure Payments Kenya's most trusted newsroom since 1902
Cricket
Cricket Kenya: Women players poised for decent contracts, medical coverage with national teams
Football
VIDEO: Too good for his age? Three-year-old's football talent turns children's game into police case
By AFP 10 hrs ago
Football
Kane beats Yamal and Mbappe to taste Ballon d'Or glory
Football
From underdogs to giant slayers