The world’s largest football fan network, AFTV, has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late former Prime Minister of Kenya and lifelong Arsenal supporter Raila Odinga.
Odinga, a veteran political figure in Kenya and a lifelong supporter of the English Premier League club, has been remembered for his passion for the team.
On Friday, AFTV released a moving statement on their social media platforms mourning the former Prime Minister who, until his demise, also served as patron of Kenya’s record champions Gor Mahia.
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“Everyone at AFTV is deeply saddened by the passing of former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
As a passionate Arsenal supporter and a friend to our community, his warmth and commitment inspired many. His legacy will live on, not only among Arsenal fans but across Kenya, where his leadership and love for the game touched countless lives.
Rest in peace, Mr. Odinga. Thank you for being an incredible part of the Arsenal family.”
Odinga, who died at the age of 80 on Wednesday after suffering a cardiac arrest while undergoing treatment in India, was a vocal supporter of the Gunners, often expressing his support to the club on social media.
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Some of the posts he made on his X platform include:
” When Arsenal beats ManU it always feels like the Lord’s Day.
“Despite the fact Manchester United won the league, I am glad Arsenal reminded them that the Emirates is Gunners territory!”
On 16th March 2022, he was at the Emirates Stadium in North London to watch the Premier League clash between Arsenal and Liverpool in the company of his daughter Winnie Odinga and his son Raila Odinga Junior.
Raila Odinga’s love for Arsenal revealed
During Odinga’s memorial service, Junior revealed that he will miss watching Arsenal play together with his dad.
“I will miss watching Arsenal with you,” he said.
The Enigma of Kenyan politics will be laid to rest on Sunday at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Siaya County in a State funeral with full military honours.
The burial ceremony was preceded by a national memorial service on Friday at the Nyayo National Stadium, a venue he came to multiple times to watch his favourite club Gor Mahia and the Kenya national football team, Harambee Stars.