KISUMU, 16th October 2026 – It came, it landed, and it ignited pure ecstasy as football lovers jostled for a glimpse of the world’s most coveted club trophy.
After a ten-hour, two-leg flight covering 7,401 kilometres of aerial distance from the Premier League headquarters at the Brunel Building, 57 North Wharf Road, London, via Nairobi, the English Premier League (EPL) trophy finally touched down in the lakeside city of Kisumu with pomp, glamour and grandeur on Friday 15th October, 2026.
Snaking its way from Kisumu International Airport (KIA) to City Hall, regional radio stations, and popular entertainment joints, the trophy lived up to its billing as the crown jewel of the world’s most watched league.
Ecstatic fans donning jerseys of their favourite EPL clubs braved the scorching sun with one clear message: the beautiful game, Jogo Bonito, brings unrivalled unity and lasting peace.
Standing at 3 feet 5 inches (104 cm) tall, 2 feet (61 cm) wide and weighing 4 stone (25.4 kg) including its 2.5-stone (15.9 kg) base, the trophy was a magnet for selfies, laughter and cheers.
According to the Premier League website, its main body is solid sterling silver, the crown is 24-carat silver gilt, and the base is African malachite – a green semi-precious stone representing the football pitch.
Its design is inspired by the Three Lions of English football heraldry, with two lions cast onto each handle. The winning captain becomes the third lion when lifting it aloft.
Speaking during the presentation at City Hall, Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr Mathew Owili said it was a historic honour for Kisumu to host the trophy.
“For the first time, this global icon touches the soil of our lakeside city, a city of passion, talent and football lovers. Today, we are not just celebrating football, we are celebrating a legacy,” said Dr Owili, who wore his favourite Arsenal jersey and a white fedora hat emblazoned with Raila Odinga’s image.
With tears of joy welling in his eyes, Dr. Owili said they could not host the trophy without honouring Raila Odinga.
“Raila was many things to many people. He was a statesman, pan-Africanist, enigma, and was known as Baba to many of us,” he said.
“To millions across the world, Raila was Arsenal’s number one fan in Kenya – through victory and heartbreak, the Invincible season and the long years of waiting. Baba never wavered. He wore the red and white. He taught us loyalty. To be a Gunner is to believe, even when belief is hard. He waited 20 years to see Arsenal lift this trophy again.”
“Now, this symbol, if you are an Arsenal fan, you know what it means to us. He believed that one day it would come. Today we bring the trophy home to his people, to his city, in his honour. Baba once said football is like politics – you must never lose hope. Today, hope lives in every child in Kondele, Manyatta, Nyalenda and Obunga, who will touch this trophy and dream of playing in the Premier League.”
“It is unfortunate that we welcome this trophy when Baba is not here,” Dr. Owili added, noting that this year Kenyans are commemorating Raila.
On the promotional tour, Kenya Breweries Limited Managing Director Andrew Kilonzo said Kenya was chosen because football is more than just a game.
“For avoidance of doubt, this iconic EPL trophy is not a replica, this is the real thing. For us in Kenya, football is not just a game. You can make friends, bump into a complete stranger in a bar, just because of football,” Kilonzo said through a corporate delega
“That passion brings us together despite all our differences. That passion qualifies Kenya as a preferred destination for the English Premier League. And this year, we worked really hard to say Kenya is not just a destination – we needed to do all we could to bring it to this esteemed county.”
“Secondly, it is because of the enabling environment the government and the county have created for us to operate. One of our biggest brands, Senator, is brewed right here. We have thrived because the county has supported us and ensured a peaceful environment to produce and serve our customers.”
He added: “Guinness has an enduring partnership with the EPL and the intent is to ensure that after nine months of drama, we bring that experience close to our consumers. It is not everyone who can afford to fly to the UK to watch a match.”
Kilonzo told Kisumu fans that they have the privilege to interact with the original trophy. “Make sure you get those premium pictures so that 30 years from now, you can brag to your grandchildren that the trophy was right here in Kisumu and you were part of the action.”
Kilonzo said a series of fan activities had been lined up, with most activations happening in bars, climaxing at the Berlin joint.
“Let’s entertain, interact, connect and make sure we get our pictures with the trophy. Without you, our fans, our business wouldn’t have thrived. Year in, year out, Guinness will continue to find very exciting and creative ways to show appreciation for your continued support,” he said.
As curtains came down on a night of fun, revellers danced to hyped music by emcees, chanting for an encore.
The tour is being organised by Guinness, the Premier League’s official beer partner in Africa.
