EVIAN-LES-BAINS, France, June ⁠17 (Reuters) - Kenya's soccer-mad President William Ruto, an ⁠avid Arsenal fan, said on Thursday ‌he had invited the Premier League champions to visit after thousands of jubilant supporters flooded Nairobi's streets to celebrate ​the club’s first title in ⁠more than 20 ⁠years.

The North London side ended their 22-year wait ⁠for ‌the Premier League crown at the end of May, sparking wild celebrations ⁠across the Kenyan capital.

"Arsenal finally closed the ​gap and ‌it was a huge celebration. I was ⁠shocked in ​Nairobi," Ruto told Reuters in an interview at the G7 summit in France.

"It was a big ⁠celebration and I am trying ​to see whether sometime next year Arsenal can come to Kenya," he said.

Thousands of Kenyan Arsenal ⁠supporters took to the streets dressed in the club's red and white colours and waving flags as Arsenal saw off competition from ​close rivals Manchester City.

"I have ⁠sent an invitation because I think it would ​be a great moment ‌for Arsenal to come to ​Kenya. They have great fans," Ruto said.

(Reporting by John IrishEditing by Bill Berkrot)