Bad News for Ruto as Petition Is Filed in Court to Block His Government From Doing This — Details

A major legal battle is emerging over the planned Bayern Munich and Ajax friendly match in Kenya after six citizens moved to court seeking to stop the government from spending public money on the event.

The petition was filed at the Milimani High Court on Monday, November 2, 2026, challenging the financial arrangements for the highly anticipated match scheduled for January 5, 2027, at the Raila Odinga International Stadium in Nairobi.

The petitioners, led by Erick Sayialel Mankuyu, want the court to issue orders preventing the government from committing public funds or resources towards hosting the two European football giants.

They are also demanding that the government disclose the full sponsorship agreements and contracts involving the two clubs within seven days.

The group wants Kenyans to know who is financing the event, how much each sponsor is contributing and whether taxpayers will be required to meet some of the costs.

In their court papers, the petitioners have raised concerns over reports that Bayern Munich could receive approximately KSh724.6 million in appearance fees. However, they say the reported figure has not been independently verified and are seeking official clarification.

The case comes days after President William Ruto announced that Bayern Munich and Ajax would play at the newly constructed stadium during its official opening.

Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi had earlier maintained that the government would not use public money to bring the clubs, saying private sponsors had agreed to support the event.

However, the petitioners argue that the sponsorship arrangements must be made public to establish whether the country could face direct or indirect financial obligations.

They want the court to protect public resources as the country prepares for the historic sporting occasion.

The proposed match has now attracted fresh attention, with the court expected to consider the petition and the orders being sought.

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