Activists have moved to the High Court seeking to block the government from spending public money on the proposed Bayern Munich–Ajax friendly match scheduled to open the Raila Odinga International Stadium in January 2027.
The petition, filed at the Milimani High Court, seeks conservatory orders barring the government from authorising, allocating, releasing or spending public funds on the event unless the expenditure is demonstrated to comply with the Constitution and financial laws.
The match is scheduled for January 5, 2027, at Talanta Sports City, which has been renamed Raila Odinga International Stadium.
Activists Demand Disclosure of Bayern Munich–Ajax Match Costs
The petitioners are asking the government to disclose sponsorship agreements and contracts signed with the two football clubs or their representatives within seven days.
They also want authorities to reveal the corporate sponsors involved, how much each company is contributing and a detailed breakdown of the anticipated costs.
The requested disclosure covers appearance fees, travel, accommodation, security, insurance, hospitality and logistical arrangements.
The court documents refer to media reports estimating that hosting the two European clubs could cost five million euros, approximately Sh724.6 million.
However, the petitioners say the reported figure has not been independently verified and want the government to establish the actual cost and explain how the event will be financed.
They are further seeking orders requiring the preservation of financial records, procurement documents, sponsorship agreements, correspondence and government approvals relating to the match.
Sports PS Elijah Mwangi Says Sponsors Will Finance the Match
The court application follows assurances from Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi that taxpayers will not finance the Bayern Munich–Ajax encounter.
“We are not using government money. We have gotten sponsors for the game,” Mwangi said, maintaining that organisers had secured sponsorship to cover the event’s expenses.
However, the petitioners argue that the assurance does not address questions about possible direct or indirect financial obligations involving public resources.
They contend that because the match will be hosted at a publicly funded stadium, the financial arrangements should be disclosed and subjected to public scrutiny.
Why Activists Want the High Court to Intervene
The petitioners have cited constitutional provisions on access to information and accountability in the management of public resources.
They maintain that their case is not intended to oppose sports development or international football events in Kenya.
Instead, they want the government to demonstrate transparency, lawful expenditure and value for money before committing any public resources to the match.
The activists have asked the court to certify the application as urgent and issue conservatory orders pending the hearing and determination of the case.
ALSO READ: Sakaja Dumps UDA for ODM as 2027 Nairobi Governor Race Takes Shape
