Murkomen: Raila Odinga International Stadium is in same class as Man United’s Old Trafford

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has heaped praise on the newly constructed Talanta Stadium, comparing it to some of Europe’s biggest football venues, including Manchester United’s Old Trafford, Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium and Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena.

Speaking during an economic empowerment drive in Makutano, Lelan Ward, Elgeyo Marakwet County, on Friday, October 30, 2026, Murkomen described the stadium as a modern facility that could attract major sporting events and international visitors to Kenya.

“Talanda Stadium sasa sio kiwanja hivi hivi, ni kiwanja ya kisasa yenye inafanana na ile Allianz Arena ya Bayern Munich. Inafanana na ile ya Arsenal kwa London. Inafanana na ile ya Manchester United,” Murkomen said.

He also compared the facility with Manchester City’s home ground, the Etihad Stadium, claiming it was smaller.

“Sio Man City, Man City hiyo yao ni kidogo,” he said.

Murkomen said the January 5, 2027, match between Bayern Munich and Ajax Amsterdam would be the beginning of a wider plan to bring international sporting events to Talanta Stadium.

The fixture will officially open the Raila Odinga International Stadium, which is part of Kenya’s preparations to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations with Uganda and Tanzania.

Murkomen said young fans were looking forward to seeing some of Bayern’s biggest stars, including England captain Harry Kane and French winger Michael Olise.

“Vijana wanangojea watu kama Harry Kane. Do you know Harry Kane? Do you know Michael Olise? These players will come to play in Nairobi,” he said.

The Interior CS said the Bayern-Ajax match was only a preview of what the government hopes to host at the stadium.

“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.

Murkomen also mentioned Arsenal and Manchester United among the clubs the government would like to bring to Kenya for future matches.

He said the January fixture was the start of a wider effort to attract major sporting and entertainment events to the country.

Murkomen said hosting international matches could boost tourism and business by attracting visitors who would also travel to destinations outside Nairobi.

“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,” he said.

He argued that the events would help market Kenya as a destination for international sport and tourism, while creating opportunities for local businesses.

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

William Muthama is a digital journalist with a focus on entertainment, human interest, and current affairs. Share stories: [email protected]/ [email protected]

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