A group of Kenyan citizens and human rights defenders has filed a court petition seeking to prevent the government from using public funds or resources to finance the proposed international friendly match between German football giants FC Bayern Munich and Dutch side AFC Ajax. The highly anticipated encounter is scheduled for January 5, 2027, at the Raila Odinga International Stadium, located within the Talanta Sports City Complex in Nairobi.
In an application lodged at the Milimani Law Courts, the petitioners are asking the court to issue conservatory orders stopping the government and other respondents from approving, allocating, releasing or spending public money on the event until the case is heard and determined. The applicants argue that the financial arrangements surrounding the planned football match have not been adequately disclosed, raising concerns about the possibility of taxpayers indirectly financing the event.
Petitioners Demand Disclosure of Sponsorship Agreements
Among the orders being sought is a directive requiring the government and other respondents to disclose, within seven days, all sponsorship agreements, contracts and financial arrangements entered into with Bayern Munich, Ajax or their representatives. The petitioners want authorities to identify all corporate sponsors involved in the event and disclose how much each company has committed towards hosting the two European clubs.
They are also demanding a detailed breakdown of the anticipated expenditure, including appearance fees, international travel, accommodation, security arrangements, insurance, hospitality and other logistical costs. According to the court documents, the applicants have raised concerns over reports that hosting the two clubs could cost approximately five million euros, equivalent to about KSh 724.6 million.
However, they maintain that the reported figure has not been independently verified and are asking the government to provide an official explanation of the actual cost of organising the match.
Concerns Over Possible Use of Taxpayers’ Money
The petitioners argue that despite assurances that the match will be commercially sponsored and financially self-sustaining, there is insufficient information to establish whether the government will have any direct or indirect financial obligations. They want clarity on whether public institutions will provide financial guarantees, logistical support or other services that could ultimately place a financial burden on taxpayers.
The applicants have further asked the court to issue orders preserving all records relating to the proposed match. These include financial statements, procurement documents, sponsorship agreements, contracts, official correspondence, government approvals and Cabinet memoranda. They argue that preserving these records is necessary to ensure that relevant evidence remains available as the case proceeds.
Petitioners Cite Constitutional Provisions on Accountability
In challenging the proposed financial arrangements, the applicants have invoked Articles 35 and 201 of the Constitution of Kenya. Article 35 provides for the right of access to information held by the State, while Article 201 establishes the principles that guide public finance management, including openness, accountability and responsible use of public resources.
The petitioners maintain that Kenyans are entitled to know how public funds are being utilised, particularly where government agencies and publicly funded infrastructure are involved in organising major events. They insist that their legal challenge is not aimed at frustrating sports development or discouraging international sporting partnerships. Instead, they want the government to demonstrate transparency, accountability, value for money and compliance with constitutional requirements before committing public resources to the football encounter.
Ruto Announced Bayern Munich-Ajax Friendly
The court application comes after President William Ruto announced on October 28, 2026, that Bayern Munich and Ajax would play an international friendly in Nairobi on January 5, 2027. The proposed match is expected to bring two prominent European football clubs to Kenya, with the Talanta Sports City Complex set to host the encounter.
The petitioners are now seeking to have their application certified as urgent and heard in the first instance. They want the court to intervene before any public funds are committed or spent on the event, pending the hearing and determination of the case.
