Six Kenyans have petitioned the High Court in Nairobi over the planned friendly match between Bayern Munich and Ajax at Talanta Stadium on January 5, 2027.
The petitioners want the court to stop the government from committing public funds to the event until officials disclose its financial arrangements. Their application raises concerns about transparency, accountability and the reported cost of bringing the European clubs to Kenya.
The case follows President William Ruto’s announcement that the match would open the newly built stadium, now named Raila Odinga International Stadium.
Petitioners Question Reported Sh724 Million Fee
The petitioners are challenging media reports that Bayern Munich could receive €5 million, approximately KSh724.6 million, as an appearance fee.
However, the reported amount has not been independently verified. The petitioners are asking the government to provide official information about the fee and the wider cost of hosting the match.
They want authorities to disclose the identities of corporate sponsors, their financial contributions and the contracts governing the event.
They are also seeking a detailed breakdown of expenses related to travel, accommodation, security, insurance, hospitality and other logistics.
Court Petition Cites Constitutional Rights
The six petitioners argue that Kenyans have a right to know how public resources may be involved in the match. They cite Article 35 of the Constitution, which guarantees access to information held by the State. They also rely on Article 201, which requires openness, accountability and prudent use of public resources.
The applicants want the court to compel relevant government offices to release the requested information within seven days.
They have also asked for conservatory orders preventing the government from allocating, releasing or spending public funds on the event pending the court’s determination.
The petitioners say they do not oppose international sporting events. Instead, they want officials to demonstrate that the proposed arrangements offer value for money and measurable benefits to Kenyans.
Government Says Sponsors Will Fund Match
Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi has maintained that public funds will not finance the match. Speaking on October 31, Mwangi said organisers had secured sponsors to support the event. He described the arrangement as commercially funded and said the government would not use taxpayers’ money to bring the clubs to Nairobi.
However, reports indicate that officials have not publicly disclosed the sponsor’s identity, the total event budget or a detailed breakdown of the financial commitments.
The petitioners argue that assurances of private sponsorship should be supported by documents showing how the arrangement works.
The court will need to consider the application and any responses from the named government offices. The filing itself does not mean the match has been stopped.
Bayern Munich-Ajax Match Set for January 2027
The planned friendly is expected to mark the official opening of the 60,000-seat Raila Odinga International Stadium in Nairobi.
The government has presented the event as an opportunity to showcase Kenya’s sports infrastructure and raise the country’s international profile ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania.
The petition has placed the match’s financing under public scrutiny. Its outcome could clarify what information officials must disclose and whether any public financial commitments require further examination.
For now, the January 5, 2027 fixture remains planned, while the petitioners seek greater transparency over the arrangements.
