Bien, Gachagua and activists question Government’s plan to bring Bayern munich and Ajax to kenya

The government’s plan to host European football giants Bayern Munich and AFC Ajax in Kenya has sparked widespread debate, with politicians, activists, journalists and sports enthusiasts questioning the priorities behind the proposed friendly match.

The highly anticipated encounter is scheduled for January 5, 2027, at the Raila Odinga International Stadium in Nairobi, formerly known as Talanta Stadium. President William Ruto announced the fixture as part of the plans to officially launch the newly constructed facility, which has a seating capacity of approximately 60,000 spectators.

However, the announcement has attracted criticism, particularly over the reported cost of bringing the two European clubs to Kenya and whether public resources should be directed towards such an event.

Among those who have openly criticised the arrangement is Kenyan musician Bien, who has questioned the performance of President Ruto’s administration.Bien said he had not seen meaningful work done by the government to improve the lives of ordinary Kenyans.

He argued that roads and other essential public services should receive greater attention, questioning why billions of shillings would reportedly be spent bringing Bayern Munich and Ajax to Kenya when local footballers continue to face challenges, including unpaid allowances.

According to Bien, the government should prioritise supporting local athletes and improving sporting infrastructure rather than committing substantial resources to hosting international football clubs.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has also raised questions about the decision to invite the two European giants for the stadium’s opening.

His criticism has contributed to the wider debate about whether local football clubs, particularly Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards, or the national team, Harambee Stars, should have been considered for the historic occasion.

Meanwhile, activist Mwabili Mwagodi, popularly known as Jomba, took his opposition beyond social media by contacting Bayern Munich and Ajax through emails, urging the clubs to reconsider their participation in Kenya.

Mwagodi shared screenshots of the correspondence on his social media platforms, explaining his concerns about the proposed event.

Another activist, Harrison Mumia, president of the Atheists in Kenya Society, also revealed that he had written to Bayern Munich, asking the German club to reconsider its planned visit amid concerns surrounding human rights issues in the country.

Journalist Fred Muitiriri has also questioned the choice of foreign clubs, suggesting that a match involving Kenya and a neighbouring country such as Uganda or Tanzania could have provided an opportunity to promote regional football.

Some Kenyan football supporters have similarly questioned why established local clubs such as Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards were not considered for the stadium’s opening ceremony.

The controversy has since moved to the corridors of justice, with six activists filing a petition at the Milimani High Court seeking to stop the government from committing public funds or resources towards the proposed friendly match.

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

Through their lawyer, John Mana Ndegwa, they want the government to disclose the agreements surrounding the event, including sponsorship arrangements, the companies involved and the breakdown of expenses associated with bringing the two clubs to Kenya.

The activists have also raised concerns about reports indicating that the event could cost approximately five million euros, equivalent to around KSh724.6 million.

They argue that Kenyans deserve transparency and accountability regarding any financial commitments connected to the event, particularly where public resources could be involved.

The petitioners insist that their objection is not necessarily against hosting international sporting events but against the possibility of public money being spent without sufficient transparency and accountability.

On the other hand, some government officials and sports stakeholders have defended the initiative, arguing that hosting internationally recognised clubs could boost Kenya’s global profile, attract visitors and promote the country’s sporting and tourism sectors ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

Principal Secretary for Sports Elijah Mwangi has maintained that the event will be funded through sponsors and that government funds will not be used to finance the match.

As the debate continues, attention is now turning to the government’s response to the concerns raised by critics and the court proceedings.

Ultimately, the central question remains whether hosting Bayern Munich and Ajax will deliver lasting benefits to Kenyan football or whether greater attention should first be directed towards supporting local players, clubs and sporting programmes.

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The government’s plan to host European football giants Bayern Munich and AFC Ajax…