The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
A group of Kenyan citizens and human rights defenders has moved to court seeking to prevent the government from using public funds or resources to finance the proposed international friendly match between German club FC Bayern Munich and Dutch side AFC Ajax.
The match is scheduled for January 5, 2027, at the Raila Odinga International Stadium, located within the Talanta Sports City Complex in Nairobi.
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In a petition filed at the Milimani Law Courts, the applicants are seeking conservatory orders barring the government and other respondents from approving, allocating, releasing or spending public money on the event until the case is heard and determined.
The petitioners are also asking the court to compel the respondents to make public, within seven days, all sponsorship agreements and contracts signed with the two European clubs or their representatives.
They want the government to disclose the identities of the corporate sponsors, the amounts each is contributing and their respective financial obligations.
The applicants are further demanding a detailed breakdown of the expected costs, including appearance fees, travel, accommodation, security, insurance, hospitality and other logistical arrangements.
In their court papers, the petitioners refer to reports that hosting the two clubs could cost five million euros, estimated at approximately KSh724.6 million. However, they note that the figure has not been independently verified and are seeking official clarification on the actual cost.
They argue that despite government assurances that the match will be commercially sponsored and self-financing, there is inadequate public information about the financial arrangements and whether the State could face direct or indirect financial obligations.
The petitioners are also seeking orders requiring the preservation of all records relating to the event, including financial documents, procurement records, sponsorship agreements, contracts, official correspondence, approvals and Cabinet memoranda.
They maintain that Kenyans have a constitutional right to access information on the use of public resources, particularly where government agencies and publicly funded infrastructure are involved.
Citing Articles 35 and 201 of the Constitution, the applicants argue that access to State-held information and accountability in public expenditure are fundamental principles of public finance management.
The petitioners have clarified that their case is not intended to oppose sports development or international sporting partnerships. Instead, they say they want to ensure transparency, value for money and adherence to the law.
The legal action follows President William Ruto’s announcement on October 28, 2026, of the planned friendly match between Bayern Munich and Ajax.
The applicants have asked the court to certify the matter as urgent and give the application priority for hearing.
