Number Of Kenyans Who Have Already Moved To Court To Block Bayern Vs Ajax Clash At Talanta Stadium

Six Kenyans have moved to the High Court seeking to stop the government from committing public funds towards the planned international friendly between German football giants Bayern Munich and Dutch side Ajax.

The petitioners want the court to issue conservatory orders preventing the government from authorising, allocating, releasing or spending taxpayers’ money on the January 5, 2027, encounter scheduled to take place at the newly constructed Raila Odinga International Stadium, formerly known as Talanta Stadium.

The six petitioners are Erick Sayialel Mankuyu, Julius Kimani Kamau, Dickson Kimathi Muli, Nicholas Ochieng Oyoo, Mulinge Muteti and Collins Otieno.

In their application filed at the Milimani High Court, they have also asked the government to disclose all sponsorship agreements and contracts involving the two European clubs within seven days.

They want authorities to reveal the identities of corporate sponsors, their financial contributions and the actual costs of organising the high-profile fixture.

The requested breakdown includes appearance fees, players’ travel and accommodation, security, insurance, hospitality and other logistical expenses.

The petitioners have raised concerns over reports that hosting the two clubs could cost approximately five million euros, equivalent to KSh724.6 million.

However, they maintain that the reported figure has not been independently verified and are asking the government to provide official clarification on the actual financial arrangements.

The case names the Attorney General, Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury and Sports Kenya as respondents. The Law Society of Kenya and Katiba Institute have been listed as interested parties.

President William Ruto announced the planned encounter on October 28, describing it as part of the official opening of the new 60,000-seater stadium.

The government has maintained that the event will be financed through private-sector partnerships and a commercially sustainable arrangement.

Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi has also stated that the government has secured a private sponsor to facilitate the event.

Nevertheless, the petitioners argue that such assurances do not eliminate the need for transparency, particularly where public facilities, security personnel and other government resources could be involved.

They have cited Articles 35 and 201 of the Constitution, which provide for access to information and accountability in the management of public finances.

The court has been asked to certify the application as urgent and restrain any public financial commitment towards the match pending determination of the case.

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