Murkomen Breaks Silence on Gachagua’s Remarks About Bayern Munich & Ajax Match at Talanta Stadium

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has broken his silence on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s criticism of President William Ruto’s decision to invite European football giants Bayern Munich and Ajax Amsterdam to play in Kenya during the official opening of the Raila Odinga International Stadium.

Murkomen took issue with Gachagua’s remarks questioning why prominent Kenyan football clubs Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards had not been considered for the high-profile January 5, 2027, fixture.

The Cabinet Secretary defended the President’s decision, arguing that the planned international encounter was part of a broader ambition to position Kenya as a major destination for international sporting events.

Speaking during an economic empowerment drive in Makutano, Lelan Ward, Elgeyo Marakwet County, Murkomen recalled the reaction that followed Ruto’s announcement that the two European clubs would travel to Nairobi.

He suggested that the decision had unsettled some political leaders who questioned why local football giants were not included in the opening fixture.

“When Ruto announced that Bayern Munich and Ajax were coming to Kenya, people trembled. Even Wamunyoro was asking why Gor Mahia or AFC Leopards had not been invited,” Murkomen said.

However, the Interior Cabinet Secretary directed his strongest criticism at Gachagua, questioning his understanding of football and his experience watching the sport.

“Has that person (Gachagua) ever even gone to a stadium to watch a single football match? He doesn’t even know how many players go onto the pitch to play, but now he has started telling us stories,” he remarked.

Murkomen also maintained that the international football fixture should not be viewed as the government’s biggest sporting attraction, hinting at more high-profile events expected at the facility.

According to the Cabinet Secretary, the planned opening match was only a preview of the sporting and entertainment activities the government hopes to bring to the country.

“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 added.

His remarks come amid growing political exchanges surrounding the government’s plans for the newly developed sporting facility, with the choice of foreign clubs providing fresh ammunition for disagreements between Ruto’s allies and Gachagua.

The January 5 fixture is expected to attract significant attention, particularly because of the international profile of the two European clubs and the significance attached to the stadium’s official opening.

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