Talanta Stadium is scheduled to host Bayern Munich and AFC Ajax on January 5, 2027.
Justice Ruth Aburili directs parties to respond to a petition challenging public spending on the January 2027 football event.
The High Court has declined to certify a petition challenging the Bayern Ajax match as urgent. It also declined to issue interim orders to halt the January 2027 friendly in Nairobi.
Justice Ruth Aburili issued the directions on Tuesday, November 3. She noted that the main petition and accompanying application sought similar remedies.
The judge said she was not satisfied that the matter warranted urgent consideration or substantive interim orders without hearing other parties. However, the petition will proceed, with a mention set for November 25.
Petitioners challenge Bayern Ajax match funding
Six petitioners moved to court over alleged potential constitutional violations linked to the proposed football event. They want to stop public spending unless the government demonstrates compliance with the Constitution and applicable financial laws.
They also seek restrictions on contracts, guarantees and other financial arrangements that could expose taxpayers to liabilities. In addition, they want the government to disclose sponsorship agreements, contracts, budget allocations and other financial commitments.
The court papers cite a reported hosting cost of approximately Ksh724.6 million, equivalent to €5 million. However, the petitioners acknowledge that they have not independently verified the figure and want official clarification.
Aburili directed the petitioners to serve the petition and application on all respondents and interested parties. Those parties, including the Ministry of Sports, have 10 days to file and serve their responses.
Sports ministry says private sponsor will fund event
Meanwhile, Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi has maintained that the government will not spend public money on the event. He said a private sponsor had supported arrangements to bring the two clubs to Kenya.
President William Ruto announced the fixture on October 28 as the inaugural match at the 60,000-seat Talanta Stadium. He said the stadium would open on January 5, 2027, with Bayern Munich facing AFC Ajax.
The venue also carries the name Raila Odinga International Stadium, while the petition identifies it as Talanta Stadium. The proposed fixture has prompted questions about funding the clubs’ visit to Nairobi.
Although the court declined immediate intervention, the petitioners’ requests remain before it for consideration. The November 25 mention is the next scheduled court date in the dispute.
