Veteran Kenyan journalist Larry Madowo has ignited a fierce online debate after questioning why football fans in Kenya are often allowed to gather freely while anti-government protesters frequently face a harsh police response.
The outspoken media personality stirred conversations across social media after reacting to the massive celebrations that erupted in Nairobi and other towns following Arsenal’s historic English Premier League triumph.
In a strongly worded statement, Madowo questioned the apparent contrast in how public gatherings are handled by authorities.
“You can support a colonial master’s football team but don’t dare hold your own government accountable. Is that the message?” he posed.
Madowo noted that thousands of Arsenal fans flooded the streets of Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, Nakuru, Eldoret, and other towns in colorful celebrations that largely proceeded peacefully and without police confrontation.
In Nairobi, jubilant supporters dressed in Arsenal jerseys marched through Moi Avenue, Ronald Ngala Street, Archives, and sections of Thika Road singing club anthems and waving flags after the London club ended a 22-year wait for the league title.
The celebrations were so massive that even Johnson Sakaja joined the frenzy, gifting fans Sh50,000 during the festivities in the CBD.
Even William Ruto publicly celebrated Arsenal’s achievement, praising the club’s resilience and determination after finally clinching the EPL title.
However, Madowo argued that the scenes exposed a deeper contradiction in Kenyan society and many post-colonial African states.
According to him, gatherings centered around foreign football clubs are often tolerated and viewed as harmless entertainment, while demonstrations demanding accountability, justice, or better governance are sometimes met with tear gas, arrests, or deadly force.
His remarks quickly divided opinion online.
Supporters of Madowo agreed with his argument, saying it reflected the irony of citizens passionately defending and celebrating European football clubs while fearing to challenge local leaders on issues affecting their daily lives.
Others pointed out that the Arsenal celebrations had been openly planned online for days, yet police officers still allowed fans to march peacefully through major towns.
Critics, however, argued that football celebrations and political demonstrations are fundamentally different.
Some insisted Arsenal supporters were largely peaceful and did not engage in looting, vandalism, or confrontations with police.
Social media users also mocked the comparison, with some joking that protesters should perhaps wear Arsenal jerseys during demonstrations to avoid police crackdowns.
The conversation further evolved into a broader debate about colonial influence and Africa’s deep obsession with European football.
Kenya, like many African countries, has millions of passionate supporters of English clubs including Arsenal F.C., Manchester United F.C., and Liverpool F.C..
For many young Kenyans, European football has become deeply embedded in social culture, often generating more excitement than local political discussions or domestic football leagues.
Despite the backlash and mixed reactions, Madowo later clarified that he is himself an Arsenal fan and had also celebrated the club’s success.
He explained that his comments were not an attack on football supporters but rather an observation about society’s relationship with power, freedom, and accountability in modern Africa.
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