Moses Kuria Mocks Gachagua in Sarcastic Apology to Mt Kenya Over Bayern-Ajax Stadium Row

Former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has taken a sarcastic swipe at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua following his criticism of the planned Bayern Munich versus Ajax Amsterdam match at Nairobi’s Raila Odinga International Stadium.

Kuria, known for his outspoken political commentary, issued a tongue-in-cheek apology on behalf of the Mt Kenya community, appearing to ridicule Gachagua over his opposition to the decision to have two European football giants headline the stadium’s opening fixture.

In a statement shared on his official X account on Thursday, October 29, 2026, Kuria jokingly suggested that the former Deputy President’s objection might have been based on a misunderstanding involving legendary Kenyan athletes Catherine Ndereba and Douglas Wakiihuri.

“On behalf of my community I want to apologise for the remarks made by our Kingpin protesting the Ajax vs Bayern Munich match,” Kuria stated.

He went on to sarcastically claim that the opposition had resulted from erroneous reports suggesting that Ndereba would play for Ajax while Wakiihuri would feature in Bayern Munich’s starting line-up without approval from their supposed community leader.

Kuria concluded his statement by expressing regret over what he portrayed as an unnecessary controversy, using humour to question Gachagua’s intervention in the matter.

Kuria’s remarks followed Gachagua’s criticism of the government’s decision to open the newly constructed stadium with a match between Bayern Munich of Germany and Ajax Amsterdam of the Netherlands.

Speaking during a television interview on Wednesday, October 28, the Democracy for the Citizens Party leader questioned why Kenyan teams had not been considered for the historic occasion.

Gachagua argued that a facility built using public resources should provide local footballers with an opportunity to participate in its inaugural match.

He specifically mentioned Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards as potential candidates, suggesting that the organisers could also have arranged a match between one of the visiting European clubs and Kenya’s national football team, Harambee Stars.

The former Deputy President questioned the emphasis on foreign teams, arguing that the occasion should celebrate Kenyan football and national identity.

His comments have added a political dimension to the debate surrounding the stadium’s opening, with leaders expressing differing views on how the event should be organised.

President William Ruto announced that Bayern Munich and Ajax would play at the Raila Odinga International Stadium on January 5, 2027.

The fixture is expected to showcase the new sporting facility as Kenya prepares to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations alongside Uganda and Tanzania.

Supporters of the planned match may view the participation of internationally recognised clubs as an opportunity to promote Kenya’s sporting infrastructure and attract global attention.

However, Gachagua’s criticism has raised questions about the representation of local football in a major event involving a publicly funded facility.

Kuria’s sarcastic response has now added another layer to the debate, turning the disagreement into a political exchange involving two prominent figures associated with the Mt Kenya region.

As reactions continue, the controversy highlights the intersection of sports, public investment and political competition in Kenya, with the stadium’s opening becoming a subject of discussion beyond football itself.

https://peopledaily.digital/inside-politics/moses-kuria-mocks-gachagua-over-bayern-ajax-match-protest-in-sarcastic-apology-to-mt-kenya?fbclid=IwY2xjawVQSstleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBwZG9mBXNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABH3TIGaPWkTONQ_xOHdrvfp9_Qn5HZnxLIjB3DvP1xfr1LMNcb13Dt8-KONjv_aem_1GEhvh3rgUZ_qT9QhQKzoQ

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