“Kichwa ya Gachagua Iko Local” Farouk Kibet Blasts Former DP Over Stadium Opening Match Remarks

The Personal Assistant to the President, Farouk Kibet, has taken a swipe at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, mocking his perspective on international sports, patriotism, and national development.

Speaking on Friday, October 30, 2026, Kibet sharply criticized Gachagua’s recent public opposition to hosting top-tier European football teams for the grand opening of the newly constructed Raila Odinga International Stadium.

He described the former Deputy President’s mindset as heavily localized, short-sighted, and entirely detached from the government’s global ambitions to place Kenya on the international sporting map.

Kibet argued that inviting elite global clubs like Bayern Munich and Ajax Amsterdam is a calculated marketing strategy to showcase Kenya’s state-of-the-art infrastructure ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

He stated that while the current administration is actively working to elevate Kenya’s economic and sporting profile through world-class partnerships, the former Deputy President prefers to keep the multi-billion shilling facility confined to regional entertainment.

“Kichwa ya Gachagua iko local, anapinga international players kuja Raila Odinga International Stadium, ati anataka watu wa Mugithi ndio wafungue stadium,” Farouk Kibet said.

This sharp rebuke comes after Gachagua criticized the state’s expenditure on the landmark stadium at the Talanta Sports City during an interview on Wednesday, October 28, 2026.

Reacting to the announcement that Bayern Munich will face Ajax Amsterdam in the ceremonial opening match on January 5, 2027, Gachagua questioned why local Kenyan teams were not chosen to showcase their talent on home soil instead.

“How can a stadium that is costing billions, paid for by Kenyans, have its first game played by foreigners? Don’t we have teams in Kenya?” Gachagua asked.

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