Petition Filed to Stop Bayern Munich-Ajax Match at Raila Odinga Stadium

The planned friendly match between German football giants Bayern Munich and Dutch side AFC Ajax has encountered a legal challenge after six petitioners moved to the High Court seeking to stop the event scheduled for January 5, 2027.

The petitioners want the court to prevent the government from committing public money or resources towards hosting the two European clubs at the Raila Odinga International Stadium, formerly known as Talanta Stadium.

In their court application filed on Monday, November 2, they are seeking conservatory orders barring government agencies and other respondents from approving, allocating, releasing or spending public funds on the proposed match until the case is heard and determined.

They have also asked the court to compel the respondents to disclose sponsorship agreements and contracts signed with Bayern Munich, Ajax or their representatives within seven days.

The petitioners want details of the companies sponsoring the event, how much each is contributing and the obligations attached to the arrangements. They are also demanding a breakdown of the expected costs, including appearance fees, travel, accommodation, security, insurance, hospitality and other logistical expenses.

A figure of approximately Ksh724.6 million, equivalent to €5 million, has been mentioned in the court papers as the reported cost of hosting the clubs. However, the petitioners acknowledge that the amount has not been independently verified and are seeking official disclosure of the actual financial arrangements.

The court challenge comes amid questions about who will meet the cost of bringing the two teams to Kenya.

On Sunday, November 1, Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi said the government would not finance the friendly, insisting that a private sponsor had come on board to support the event.

“We are not using government money. We have gotten a private sponsor who has supported us to bring the two teams here,” Mwangi stated.

However, he did not disclose the overall cost of the arrangements or identify the sponsor.

President William Ruto had earlier announced that Bayern Munich and Ajax would face each other in Kenya as the country prepares to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

There had also been speculation about whether the visiting sides would comprise club legends, reserve players or junior squads. Mwangi dismissed those claims, maintaining that the clubs’ senior teams had been approached and were expected to travel to Nairobi.

The petition now places the financial arrangements surrounding the highly publicised football event before the courts, with the request for temporary orders awaiting consideration.

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