‘WANTAM’ Chants, Kane Demands and Political Jabs: Kenyans React to Bayern-Ajax Stadium Opener

DatingFamilyRelationshipsEntertainmentCelebritiesEventsGossipSportsLiving#HerVoiceHealthWellnessStyleBeautyFashionNews Search FacebookTikTokX DatingFamilyRelationshipsEntertainmentCelebritiesEventsGossipSportsLiving#HerVoiceHealthWellnessStyleBeautyFashionNews Search TikTokX SportsTop Stories ‘WANTAM’ Chants, Kane Demands and Political Jabs: Kenyans React to Bayern-Ajax Stadium Opener By Kelvin Mutua 30 October 2026 0 0 ShareFacebookXPinterestWhatsApp Kenyans have questioned the cost, choice of clubs and government priorities after Bayern Munich and Ajax were named for the January 5 opening of Raila Odinga International Stadium. Collage/ Y News Trending CelebritiesJay-Z Confirmed for Super Bowl Halftime Show Performance Celebrities‘We Love Trump’: Nicki Minaj Joins President as He Rants About Norway CelebritiesChris Brown Avoids Jail After London Nightclub Attack CelebritiesMeghan Reveals 2018 Police Letter as Allegations Against Estranged Father Emerge Kelvin Mutuahttp://ynews.digital NAIROBI, Kenya – The announcement that Bayern Munich and Ajax Amsterdam will open the Raila Odinga International Stadium on January 5, 2027, has triggered a heated debate online, with Kenyans questioning the choice of foreign clubs, the reported cost of the match and what the event means for local football.

While some supporters have welcomed the opportunity to watch two European football giants in Nairobi, others have criticised the decision, arguing that a newly built national stadium should have been inaugurated by Kenyan teams or the national football side.

The debate intensified after details emerged that Bayern Munich would receive €5 million, approximately Sh728 million, for travelling to Kenya for the friendly.

One social media user argued that if Kenya was paying such a substantial amount, organisers should ensure Bayern bring their biggest stars rather than a weakened or largely inexperienced squad.

“If we will pay for Bayern Munich to come and play, we must insist they field Kane, Olise, Musiala, Kimmich, Davies, Gnabry, Neuer etc. These clubs wako na mchezo wa taun huwa. Mtalipa muletewe Bayern academy,” the user wrote.

The comment reflected concerns among fans that European clubs sometimes use international friendlies to give opportunities to younger players, potentially leaving paying supporters disappointed if their favourite stars do not feature.

Others questioned why the stadium’s opening match had not been reserved for Kenyan football.

One user directly criticised President William Ruto’s decision, arguing that Harambee Stars should have played the inaugural fixture against a strong African opponent such as Senegal or Cabo Verde.

The user also proposed a double-header featuring Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards, saying it would have been an opportunity to honour the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who was widely associated with Gor Mahia.

Another commenter pointed to the opening of Bayern’s Allianz Arena in Germany, arguing that local football deserved greater recognition during the inauguration of a national stadium.

“1860 Munich and Bayern played the openers at Allianz Arena. Not even other big clubs were called. It’s an insult to all football players of this country,” the user stated.

The comments have brought renewed attention to the place of domestic football in Kenya’s sporting ambitions, particularly as the country prepares to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

The announcement also became a platform for criticism of the government’s priorities, with some Kenyans questioning why the President was publicising a European friendly while other national challenges remained unresolved.

One user accused Ruto of being more interested in impressing foreign audiences than promoting Kenyan sporting talent.

“Instead of promoting Kenyan football he’s bringing big football in Kenya whose football cannot even be showcased on DSTV,” the user wrote.

Another questioned why the President was announcing a football fixture instead of addressing healthcare, university funding and the cost of living.

“As the president of a whole nation, this is what he wants to announce? Not better healthcare or new capitation structures. Not improvements to SHA? Elect a clown, expect a circus. How will this help us? And at what cost is he bringing them here?” the user asked.

A separate comment questioned the timing of the announcement, citing outstanding concerns over lecturers’ pay and fuel prices.

“Instead of telling us about paying lecturers or reducing the cost of fuel. They are excited about Bayern Munich and Ajax. Is this being tone deaf or is the KK government burying their head in the sand?” the user wrote.

Other reactions took a more political tone, with one commenter suggesting the spectacle was intended to distract the public from pressing national concerns.

“This man surely knows the tyrants playbook. Keep them entertained, sindio? Utajua we’re not stupid,” the user posted.

Some comments suggested that the political atmosphere could follow the President into the stadium, with users joking that supporters might use the occasion to express opposition to his administration.

“Hapa WANTAM chants will be louder than your bluetooth device speaker,” one post read.

Another declared: “Bado tutaimba WANTAM Harry Kane akifunga. It will be loud vibaya sana.”

The remarks suggest that, for some supporters, the fixture could become more than a football occasion, with political messaging potentially finding its way into the stands.

One user also sarcastically referred to earlier promises about Grammy awards, writing: “Sisi bado tunangoja zile Grammys alituambia.”

The debate over the reported Sh728 million fee

The reported €5 million payment to Bayern has added another dimension to the controversy.

Although the match is expected to attract international attention and offer Kenyan fans an opportunity to watch elite European football, critics want to know how much the entire event will cost and whether the investment will deliver lasting benefits.

The President has previously described the match as part of a commercial model involving corporate partnerships and private-sector participation. However, a detailed public breakdown of the event’s expenditure, sponsorship contributions and projected revenue has not been released.

The fixture will take place at the 60,000-capacity Raila Odinga International Stadium at Talanta Sports City, which is expected to play a major role in Kenya’s preparations for AFCON 2027.

Bayern and Ajax have both confirmed the January 5 encounter, with tickets scheduled to go on sale on November 5.

For supporters who welcome the spectacle, the match is an opportunity to put Kenya on the international sporting map. For critics, the bigger question is why the opening of a national stadium should revolve around foreign clubs when local football still needs investment, visibility and stronger competition.

The debate has therefore moved beyond the identities of the two visiting teams to a wider question: should Kenya use its biggest sporting occasions to attract international attention, or first celebrate and strengthen its own football?

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