Ndegwa Njiru Questions Taxpayer Cost of Bringing Bayern Munich and Ajax to Kenya

Lawyer Ndegwa Njiru has demanded transparency over the financial arrangements for the planned match between Bayern Munich and Ajax in Nairobi, questioning whether taxpayers will bear the cost of hosting the two European football giants.

In a statement shared on his X account on Thursday, October 29, Njiru sought clarification on who would finance the teams’ travel, accommodation, security and other logistical requirements ahead of the January 5, 2027, fixture.

Njiru specifically questioned whether public funds would be used to transport the clubs, their technical teams, officials and accompanying delegations to Kenya.

“Who is meeting the full cost of flying in the Bayern Munich and Ajax teams, their technical staff, officials and entourages, including chartered or scheduled flights, accommodation, security, local logistics and all related facilitation?” he asked.

The lawyer also sought to establish the total amount that taxpayers could be expected to contribute towards the event.

His concerns come as the government prepares to open the 60,000-seater Raila Odinga International Stadium, popularly known as Talanta Stadium, with the high-profile international fixture.

President William Ruto announced the match on Wednesday, October 28, describing it as a historic encounter that would mark the opening of the newly constructed facility.

The President said the event would fulfil his administration’s commitment to providing Kenya with modern sporting infrastructure capable of hosting major international competitions.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen also welcomed the planned fixture, describing it as an important milestone for Kenyan sports and an opportunity to attract more international sporting events.

Murkomen congratulated Ruto for supporting sports development and promoting the construction of modern facilities.

However, the financial arrangements for the January match remain a subject of public interest, with questions emerging over the responsibilities of the government, event organisers and other parties involved.

The costs associated with hosting the clubs could include international flights, hotel accommodation, local transport, security and other operational expenses.

Neither the total projected expenditure nor the identity of the parties responsible for covering these costs had been established in the information accompanying Njiru’s statement.

The match is also expected to form part of Kenya’s broader preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which the country will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania.

As preparations continue, Njiru’s questions have placed accountability and the potential use of public resources at the centre of discussions surrounding the highly anticipated football event.

https://peopledaily.digital/news/ndegwa-njiru-demands-answers-on-taxpayer-cost-of-flying-bayern-munich-ajax-to-kenya

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