‘Have they ever watched football?’ Murkomen hits back as Gachagua questions Bayern, Ajax Talanta opener

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen during an event on October 30,2026/MINA‎Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has hit back at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over his criticism of the decision to invite German giants Bayern Munich and Dutch side Ajax Amsterdam for the opening match of the Raila Odinga International Stadium.

‎Defending President William Ruto’s plan, Murkomen questioned Gachagua’s remarks, challenging why local clubs Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards were not considered for the January 5, 2027 fixture.

‎The CS said the match was part of a broader plan to market Kenya as an international sporting and tourism destination.

‎Speaking during an economic empowerment drive in Makutano, Lelan Ward, Elgeyo Marakwet County, Murkomen said critics had reacted strongly when President Ruto announced that the two European clubs would play in Nairobi.

‎“When Ruto announced that Bayern Munich and Ajax were coming to Kenya, people trembled. Even Wamunyoro was asking why Gor Mahia or AFC Leopards had not been invited,” Murkomen said.

‎He questioned whether Gachagua understood the significance of hosting internationally renowned clubs.

‎“Has that person (Gachagua) ever even gone to a stadium to watch a single football match? He doesn’t even know how many players go onto the pitch to play, but now he has started telling us stories,” he said.

‎Murkomen argued that Kenya’s decision to bring the European clubs to Nairobi demonstrated the government’s ambition to elevate the country’s sporting profile beyond local competitions.

‎“We have Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards. Have we not had them with us every day?” he posed.

‎The CS said bringing major European clubs to play in Africa was a rare achievement, challenging critics to identify other African countries that had hosted such an encounter.

‎He cited Nigeria, Morocco and South Africa, arguing that even countries with established football traditions had not hosted a similar event.

‎Murkomen added that the match was only the beginning of the government’s plans for Talanta Sports City, adding that more international sporting and entertainment events were being considered.

‎“This is just an example, just a taste. This is only the opening match. We have not even brought the top artistes who will come to perform at Talanta Stadium, or the top rugby teams that will come to play there,” he said.

‎He further suggested that other high-profile football clubs could be considered for future events, mentioning Arsenal and Manchester United.

‎The January fixture will feature Bayern Munich and Ajax, two of Europe’s most successful clubs, as Kenya prepares to co-host AFCON 2027 with Uganda and Tanzania.

‎Murkomen said the presence of internationally recognised players would excite young football fans and attract visitors seeking to watch their favourite stars in action.

‎“Young people are waiting for people like Harry Kane. Do you know Harry Kane? Do you know Michael Olise? These players will come to play in Nairobi,” he said.

‎He added that the match could stimulate tourism and business by drawing international visitors who would also travel to destinations such as Mombasa and Lamu.

‎“Do you know how many tourists want to come to Kenya? It is a huge number. Business will go up. They will go to Mombasa, Lamu and other places,” Murkomen said.

‎The CS maintained that the developments reflected the pace of change under Ruto’s administration, arguing that even political opponents were surprised by the government’s ambitions.

‎“Let me tell you, Kenya is changing in a manner that even the opponents of William Ruto are shocked. They cannot believe it,” he said.

The match will mark the ceremonial opening of the new national stadium at Talanta Sports City and is expected to attract football fans from Kenya and beyond.

The debate intensified when social media users resurfaced a video of Methu at London Stadium during a match between West Ham United and Arsenal

The match will officially open the new stadium at Talanta Sports City in Nairobi. Representatives of the two clubs recently visited Kenya to assess the country’