It has been two days. Two full days. And I — a proud, committed, unwavering Manchester United fan — am sitting here in what I can only describe as stunned disbelief.
Here is the thing that makes it especially painful: for years, whenever anyone asked me utaolewa lini, my answer was always the same — “When Arsenal wins the league.” Delivered with full confidence. With a smirk. Because it was never supposed to actually happen.
And then Sunday came. And Arsenal went and won the whole thing. 🤣🤣
They say there are two things you should never take to heart — siasa na mpira. And mpira, sana sana. Because football will humble you in ways no politician ever could. I put Arsenal winning the league in my heart as a joke. As a safe answer. And look at me now.
The season that changed everything
Arsenal have been knocking on this door for three straight seasons. Runners-up. Runners-up. Runners-up. It was almost becoming a personality. But this year? This year they walked through it.
On the final day of the 2025/26 Premier League season, Arsenal travelled to Selhurst Park and beat Crystal Palace 2-1 to seal the deal. Champions. 85 points. First league title in 22 years after three consecutive seasons as runners-up. The long wait is finally over.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa spoiled Pep Guardiola’s farewell party by beating Manchester City 2-1 — and yes, that gave me a small, petty sliver of joy. City finished second on 78 points. My beloved United closed the season in third with 71 points, including a commanding 3-0 win against Brighton on the final day. We go again. 💪
You see, this is exactly why they say usiweke mpira kwa roho. Football is cruel and beautiful in equal measure. One week you are using Arsenal’s trophy drought as a life answer, the next week you are rethinking your entire timeline.
But if you were going to watch it anywhere, Guinness had the right idea
While I was at home quietly processing my grief, Arsenal fans across Kenya were living their absolute best lives — and Guinness made sure they did it properly.
Guinness, the Official Beer of the Premier League, hosted Guinness Matchday experiences in both Nairobi and Mombasa for the season finale. And from everything I saw and heard, these were not just watch parties. They were events.
The two venues — Al Capone in Nairobi and Club Mios in Mombasa — were transformed into full football destinations. We are talking big screens, premium Guinness serves, high energy from the very first whistle, and the kind of crowd atmosphere that makes watching at home feel like a real loss. Fans were fully immersed from kick-off, not just watching but experiencing the game together — every tackle, every chance, every near miss felt and heard as a collective.
What made the Guinness Matchday stand out beyond just the screens was the expert punditry from Lotan Salapei, who guided fans through every high, tense moment, and turning point of the night — adding context and conversation to the action in a way that kept the energy sharp throughout. There was also the Guinness Matchday Cleansheet Challenge running through the evening, keeping everyone on their toes and invested beyond just the ninety minutes.
And then Arsenal confirmed it. The moment the title was sealed, Al Capone and Club Mios erupted. Those scenes — strangers hugging, drinks raised, the noise — that is what Guinness Matchday is built for. Not just a place to watch football, but a place to feel it.
When the final whistle went and the celebrations kicked into another gear entirely, Guinness made sure the night did not end with the football.In Nairobi, DJ Xclusive, MC Leroy, and music duo Watendawili kept Al Capone alive and moving well into the night. In Mombasa, Club Mios went full send — hip hop heavyweight Khaligraph Jones headlined alongside MC Gogo, DJ Grauchi, and BV Accurate, delivering a closing night worthy of a historic season. By the time the music stopped, nobody was thinking about football anymore. They were just living.
As Joy Murugi, Brand Manager for Guinness, put it: “As the 25/26 Premier League season comes to an end with a momentous win for Arsenal, Guinness is proud to continue creating spaces where fans can experience these unforgettable moments together. We would like to especially thank our consumers who showed up to Guinness Matchday experiences this year. We remain committed to bringing you even better experiences next season.”
That, right there, is the point. Football is better shared. And Guinness understands that better than most.
All said and done — See you next season
It has genuinely been a hell of a week. The phone calls, the voice notes, the “I told you so” energy from every Arsenal fan in my life — Maureen, Fridah, Max K, Jimmy O, my cousin Brian — enjoy this. You have earned it.
They said usiweke mpira kwa roho. They were right.
Arsenal are champions. Manchester United are rebuilding. And somewhere in Nairobi, fans who watched history at a Guinness Matchday are still talking about that night.
Hopefully next season, United bring their absolute A-game. Until then — congratulations to the Gooners. You waited 22 years. You have your day.
Here’s to next season. ⚽🍺
