Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has criticised plans to open Kenya’s Raila Odinga International Stadium with a match between Bayern Munich and Ajax Amsterdam.
Gachagua questioned why foreign clubs would headline the opening of a stadium financed through public resources instead of Kenyan teams. His remarks have reignited debate over national pride, public spending and the future of local football.
President William Ruto announced that Bayern Munich and Ajax would play at the 60,000-seater facility in Nairobi on January 5, 2027. The match will mark the stadium’s official opening ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Gachagua Wants Kenyan Teams Included
Gachagua argued that local football deserved a place in the historic occasion. He questioned why teams such as Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards had not been selected for the inaugural fixture. He also suggested that organisers could have paired a European club with Harambee Stars.
“How can a stadium that will cost 145 billion be paid for by the taxpayers, the people of Kenya? The first game is done by foreigners,” Gachagua said
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His criticism has placed the spotlight on whether the opening should prioritise international visibility or give Kenyan players a prominent role.
Why the KSh 145 Billion Figure Is Controversial
The project’s financing has attracted scrutiny from lawmakers and other critics. The stadium’s reported construction contract value stands at approximately KSh 45.85 billion. This followed an increase from an initial estimate of about KSh 35 billion, which the government attributed partly to taxes, levies and import-related charges.
However, Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has argued that financing the project over 15 years could raise its total cost to approximately KSh 145 billion.
His projection includes an estimated KSh 100 billion in interest and financing costs. It is therefore important to distinguish the projected long-term repayment figure from the construction contract value.
Senate Raises Questions Over Project Costs
The Senate has previously questioned the stadium’s cost increases, procurement procedures and ownership documentation.
The government has defended the higher construction value by pointing to expenses omitted from the original estimate. Nevertheless, parliamentary scrutiny has kept accountability and value for money at the centre of the discussion.
International Football Versus Local Talent
The Bayern Munich-Ajax fixture is expected to attract international attention as Kenya prepares to co-host AFCON 2027 with Uganda and Tanzania.
Supporters of international fixtures may view the match as an opportunity to showcase Kenya to global audiences. Gachagua’s criticism, meanwhile, highlights calls for local clubs and national players to receive greater recognition.
The debate raises a wider question about how Kenya can use major sporting investments to promote international partnerships while supporting domestic football.
As the opening approaches, attention will remain on the stadium’s financing, its long-term benefits and the opportunities it creates for Kenyan players.
