Arsenal Africa Mombasa Edition – 'The Aftermath'

The charity at St Barnabas Mission School

St Barnabas Mission School, Utange

With now a population of 350 children, St Barnabas Mission School was started in 2010 with only six(6) street children through an initiative by a former special needs teacher of St Peters Primary school, Bamburi Mombasa Kenya. The name Bamburi is derived from the local Bantu words "Ba" and "Mburi"; a town in Kisauni sub-county one of the 6 sub-counties that make up Mombasa County. 

Insider sources intimated that, 50 children attending the mission school are fully sponsored and are full time boarders at the facility’s dormitories. Trying to find out how the number rose from 6 to 350, it was informed that the friends who together helped to finance the facility used to advertise to the public and neighboring community about the availability of vacancies for orphans and/or less fortunate children that they are welcomed in the institution. The current director is called Mr. Harrison Gona. 

Visiting gooner from Ghana

Arsenal Kenya (host), alongside the visiting supporters club including Arsenal Tanzania, Arsenal Uganda, Arsenal Rwanda and Arsenal Ghana made generous contributions towards supporting the Mission school. Arsenal Zambia and Arsenal Zimbabwe though not represented physically equally sent out their contributions. The Nairobi branch treasurer, Mr. Stephen Gatimu confirmed that the total contributions made for the charity in the 3^rd edition was to a tune of over $700; part of which was used for budgeted expenses and the rest were to be banked to the Mission school’s account.

Personality of the Event

The only boy and a last born in a family of 4 children, TUYISENGE Bruno Leandre, the 25 year old Rwandan citizen; Operations Manager at Jibu Corporation (Kigali), was unopposedly named personality of the event persona at the Arsenal Africa’s annual Easter Festival in Mombasa Kenya, 

 TUYISENGE Bruno from Arsenal Rwanda

“…Is this Rwandan Gooner Bruno here? I think if there was an award for personality of the event he could have taken one. His enthusiasm while participating in every activity was up there…” said Dennis Njau, Arsenal Kenya President. It is from this comment that had made me do an up-close with Bruno.  

Being in the same SGR train with him en-route to Mombasa, and while I was taking photos of the contingent, I never seemed to master his name and on several occasions I kept asking him for the same. This ice breaker was what saw me speak to him for the first time and made me want to know more about him after the Mombasa trip. Here below is the excerpt of our tête-à-tête:

Lisa: Who is Bruno?
Bruno: I studied accounting but an engineer by training, currently working with Jibu Corporation. I have three sisters with many brothers (referring to his male cousins). My favorite drink is no doubt Mutzig and my best food has to be the Indian Chicken Biryani.
Lisa: Tell me a little more about Jibu Corporation.
Bruno: Jibu as a corporation is not only a business but also a family of opportunity to anyone who has a dream of becoming self-employed. Jibu exists in six (6) countries and has launched 75 franchises across the world. Jibu Motto is ‘don’t stress; drink Jibu water’. Any interested persons can check out our website at www.jibuco.com for more information.
Lisa: How do you feel after being named the personality of the event in the Arsenal Africa Mombasa edition?
Bruno: I feel motivated and it means that my trip was successful because I didn’t come to Kenya to just have fun; I also wanted to make sure I will be remembered for some good deeds. 

Lisa: How different was this charity from the rest that you have attended before?
Bruno: When the meals were being served, I did not like the idea that the children ate separately from the Arsenal fans. Instead the meals would have been served together and let the two groups mingle. Also, the fact that contributions made from different countries were not publicly announced in the charity in a way killed the spirit of contribution. By making known who contributed how much, in itself gives a positive motivation in challenging the different groups to want to outdo the other making it a healthy competition and the country with most contributions to walk tall with shoulders high.
Lisa: What’s your overall comment regarding the 3^rd Arsenal Africa festival, Mombasa edition?
Bruno: With a very good program tabled for the event, unfollowed planned activities, a little bit overpriced hotels and drink prices, disorganization, in a way tainted a well otherwise anticipated event that had over 40 Rwandans being in attendance. Because some people were working with fixed budgets, it proved a bit costly at some point. However, the charity activities, the hospitality, the warm reception and the friendly people made it all a worthwhile visit to Kenya.
Lisa: Will you attend the 4^th Edition of the Arsenal Africa Easter festivals planned for Kampala 2020?
Bruno: Yes I will be in Kampala.

Lisa: Why do you support Arsenal?

Bruno: Back in primary school we used to have championship competitions between teams, and we would name our teams based on names of soccer teams. I was always in team Arsenal and that’s how it all started.

Lisa: Who is your Arsenal favorite player?
Bruno: It has to be S. Carzola but he has since left. Nowadays my eyes are on Toreirra and Lacazette.

Memorable Moment

Et voila! Cupid, god of love favored us during this 3^rd edition! Someone got engaged and the cultural exchange is starting to bear fruits! Even though the fiancée and the fiancé were both Rwandan nationals, nonetheless we are happy to celebrate the union of Mr. Kenneth Ntaganda and Ms. Gwiza. A proposal from up in the blue skies thanks to RwandAir, to an engagement party at a famous beach club in the white sands of Mombasa Island graced with the beautiful waves rocking the salty waters of the Indian ocean, sure made all those in attendance believe it was a match made in heaven! It was an open affair and gooner friends were free to attend the after party. Sadly, there are no photos to compliment the beautiful moment but hey cheers to the newly engaged and we are wishing them a happy, blessed, long, marriage life with many children!

The attendees

It was nobly impressing to note that, as each year passes by, the number of participants attending the Arsenal Africa Easter Editions has been growing.  A total of over 200 arsenal fans graced the Mombasa edition for the 2019 Easter bonanza.

Rwanda:

Rwanda Arsenal fans at Elephant tusks, Mombasa

For the Mombasa edition, we had a record of over 40 travelling visitors who were in attendance.  The number would have been higher except for the border issues between Rwanda & Uganda that inconvenienced many of those who had wished to travel by road. From the 1^st edition in Dar Es Salaam 2017 to this 3^rd in Mombasa, Mr. Willy Kamanzi and Ms. Olive Owumariya have been the constant attendees. 

An observation about Rwandans? “…most Rwandans tend to keep to themselves and spoke a lot in their own local dialect; a non-Rwandan would have felt out place if in their midst…” a Kenyan, anonymously commented. This can be disputed as no research was carried out to ascertain the allegations. A source from the Rwandan team hinted that in the 4^th edition of Kampala 2020, there would have been upto 70 plus attendants owing to the proximity the two countries, but the Genocide Against Tutsi Commemoration week falling within that Easter period may gravely affect the numbers. The country of a Thousand Hills is fondly referred to as the 'Heart of Africa' by its citizens.

Tanzania:

13, is the total number of visitors from Tanzania who were in Mombasa. Notably, those in attendance were almost half the number of those who were in the second edition in Kigali, Rwanda 2018. Noticeably, there was no single lady from +255 who was in the 3^rd edition. 

Arsenal fans from Tanzania, at the Mission school in Mombasa

Usual suspects like Mboye, Matinya, Mboka, Jurgen, Machera, Juma, Don, Sam, Bepari, Kibbs, Muniko, were visibly in absentia. Trying to reach out to them, either work or family commitments formed part of the reason or the other why they never showed up. On the flip side it was refreshing to see new faces who were not in previous editions being in attendance. 

Moody and the rest we hope you keep up the spirit and never miss any future editions. Team TZ, we also strongly urge you to bring on-board more ladies the way you did in Kigali. We would like to see Joan, Hellen, Jacky, Irene, Aisha etc all being there come Kampala 2020.

Uganda:

Just like their good neighbor who borders them in the south, Uganda had 13 travelling gooners for the Mombasa edition. Similarly, there were no ladies from +256 who were present as well, a very stunning coincidence I must say. That notwithstanding, there was an increase of more than five(5) gooners compared to the number that went to Kigali, in the 2^nd edition. 

Uganda Arsenal fans maiden trip in an SGR

The presence of Dr. Hannington Mwesigye, Justus Baguma, Joseph Kavuma, Isaac Musasazi, Freddie Seruwu, Dennis Rwatooro, Ojwang Paul & Gabriel Kato, complimented the likes of Jacob Katumba, Meddie Bukenya, Mike Kagwa, David Agaba & Soule Kuteesa who were in the previous edition. 

As #TugendeKampala & #TulambuleUganda gains momentum, everyone else is looking forward to meeting Stellah, Allen, Atete, Phiona, a few of the many not listed Arsenal Uganda goonerettes who have been conspicuously absent since the first edition. 

For the Kampala 2020 4^th edition, we all hope Uganda will borrow good practices from the 1^st three editions and improve on the weak links to make Kampala edition one of its kind. Uganda, proudly refers to itself as The Pearl of Africa   

Ghana:

Ghana Arsenal fans aboard the SGR

Being the first West African nation to have its representation in the previously dubbed Arsenal East Africa Easter festivals, Mombasa edition was privileged to have Dickson Kojo and Bilkiss Mohammed (Kissu) in attendance. 

It will be noted that because of short notice, a lot of Ghanaians were not able to attend the Mombasa event but it is encouraging to note that a good number of them are hoping to be in Kampala, for the 4^th edition. 

Both Dickson and Kissu were in the country for more than a week and had an opportunity to visit different historical sites in both Nairobi and Mombasa. 

Dickson still considers Uganda as the best place to be in East Africa and he is definitely going back there soon. It is undoubtedly correct to say therefore, that he will be in attendance come the 4^th edition of the Arsenal Africa festivals in Kampala.

Zimbabwe:

Arsenal fans Zimbabwe at a past charity event

A confirmed number of 20 persons had been given for the contingent arriving from the South African nation Zimbabwe to attend the Mombasa edition. Hotels reserved and accommodation paid up for a month in advance, indicated that Stephen Ndungu, the official contact person for Zimbabwe team had his house in order to ensure he was not caught up in the Easter rush hour madness. 

Unfortunately, due to unavoidable reasons that cannot be mentioned here forth due to its sensitive nature, saw the whole Zimbabwe team cancel their safari to Kenya. Indeed a very devastating situation to the travelling fans and the host nation as well since it caused a lot of inconvenience to both parties. It is hoped that Zimbabwe will be in attendance in the forthcoming 4^th edition, come Easter of 2020.

Kenya:

They say ‘charity begins at home’, and without a doubt Kenya being the host nation of the 3^rd edition of the Arsenal Africa Easter festival had to lead by example. Unconfirmed report, indicated that there were approximately 120 Kenyans in the Mombasa event. During the 1^st edition, Kenya had around 25 representatives that visited Dar Es Salaam and over 50 participants who went to Kigali for the 2^nd edition. Because of Kenyans being just Kenyans and doing what they know best, a good number of those in the 1^st edition have been consistent during all the three editions. 

Kenya Arsenal fans at St Barnabas Mission school, Mombasa

Ann Nzau (Princess Anny), the famous keyboard warrior (pun intended) was not able to attend the Mombasa edition for known but ‘undisclosed reasons. Even in absentia, Anny and other individual persons were very helpful and Kissu and lots of other unmentioned visitors were grateful. 

Overall, the organizing committee, with the able leadership of Dennis Njau was however in charge of the event. Kenyans are forever indebted to all those that went against all odds to make the 3^rd edition a success. News flash is that; Kenyans will likely double the number that will be attending the Kampala 2020 edition, and the host nation better be ready to get overwhelmed.

Cultural Exchange - "...chased after her and made her mine"

'Don’t get it twisted love is a beautiful thing..’, the first sentence in the lyrics of D’banj’s (Nigerian renowned musician) song ‘fall in love’ takes me back to the story of Martin Murigu(Marto) and Vailet Aseka(Vaile). Their alias name is MartoVaile, a name formed by combining first name of Martin and Vailet, one which they put so much emphasis on and are fond of. I had a moment with them to find out more about their story. It’s amazing how cultural exchange is changing lives of Arsenal fans, day after the other.

MartoVaile, first photo together

“It all began on 29^th December 201-, Vaile recalls, “we had our usual Arsenal Kakamega branch Charity, took some photos and that’s when one of the branch members (name withheld) sent out my photo to a WhatsApp group where Marto is also a member. He saw my photo, and just like that he checked into my inbox. At first, I thought it was just a WhatsApp vibe, little did I know it was getting into me and the rest is history”, Vaile added.

Without blinking an eyelid, Marto was ready to reiterate what Vaile earlier told me. "We are a couple, real life couple, we do love each other”, Marto began. “I fell for her the day I saw her photo in a WhatsApp group, chased after her and made her mine. We love each other”, he affectionately said. Vaile who resides and works in Kakamega, a county in western Kenya and Marto, who is based in Mombasa because of work don’t seem to think distance has any impact in their relationship. She asserts that although she does miss him when he is away, to her distance is nothing ‘when someone is into the other’. She continues to say that they always find a way to cut out the distance.

MartoVaile, introduction party @Pontoon hotel, Mombasa

MartoVaile future plans? Marriage, maybe?  Marto answers in the affirmative and adds; “she was born for me and she is going nowhere, I am keeping her heart forever”. Vaile too is hopeful and says all in God’s time, they will cross the bridge when they get there. 

As I wrapped up, I asked each for a comment regarding the other. This is what they had to say; “Marto is my best friend, my confidant, I see a reflection of myself in him”, Vaile concluded. On his part Marto had this to say; “Vaile is my queen, my best friend, my rock, my world, the love of my life. She is my partner, my other half. I love her so much with everything that I am”. We wish the two lovebirds all the love this world has to offer. In the spirit of Arsenal let’s see what the future holds for the rest of us J. 

Real Heroes

Kenton Price (Kenny Price) who wore the Carilton Maina jersey labelled Number 1 in memory of the fallen Kenyan gooner who was shot dead by the police officers in Nairobi Kenya on 21st December 2018. Gone but not forgotten. Forever in our hearts. Continue Resting in Power Carilton Maina. 

Kenny Price (overlooking in an Arsenal jersey)

The late Carilton with Giroud

The late Carilton Maina was honored at the Emirates stadium in London during the Arsenal game against Cardiff city played on 29.01.2019.

 The slain university of Leeds engineering student was an ardent Arsenal supporter who severally attended home and away matches at the emirates while he studied at the University of Leeds. Carilton was a goalkeeper and was also described as a future leader and a role model KTN News, 29th January 2019 

To 'the Rwandan'; for the altercation with a Kenyan that took place inside the bus while on your way to check in at the hotel, 'chapeu' to you for the manly, mature way you handled the situation. Accept our apologies for damages caused and we would like to let you know that Kenyans are very friendly people and whatever happened should never have.

All those who cooked, cleaned, did shopping and helped in serving at the mission school.

All those who came through for our visitors in one way or another.

All those who contributed funds towards making the event a success.

All those who sacrificed their time and money to grace the occasion.

All those who extended their hospitality in their homes and hosted our visitors for a night or two.

And of course our official photographers Ken Wambua & Billy Mulure

We say Asante / Medaase / Weebale Nnyo / Murakoze / Merci / thank you!

Special thanks to: Kabatesi Immaculee, Butera Jesus, Adrian Mbanda, Edgar(rw) Valerie Kerubo, Dickson Kojo, Stephen Ndungu, Joan(ke), Dennis Njau, Stephen Gatimu, Bruno Leandre,  Stephen Matinya, Meshack(tz) & Kulwa(tz). 

Everyone is by now looking forward to the Kampala Edition planned for 2020 with the host being Arsenal Uganda. The hashtag created is #TugendeKampala2020, #TulambuleUganda2020 and the hosts already promise a thrilling, high profile never seen before event.
See you in Kampala 2020, for the 4^th edition of the Arsenal Africa Easter festivals!

#TugendeKampala2020!
#TulambuleUganda2020!

Stay tuned for teaser articles on the Pearl of Africa.

The writer of this article is a lifetime goonerette, who attended all the first three editions of the Arsenal Easter Africa festivals in Dar es Salaam, Kigali & Mombasa. She is also a freelance writer and a blogger at Up-close & Personal with LB