Six Kenyans have filed a petition at the High Court in Nairobi, seeking to stop the government from spending public funds on the proposed January 5, 2027 international football friendly between German giants Bayern Munich and Dutch side Ajax. The petitioners, led by Erick Sayialel Mankuyu, want the government to disclose the financial arrangements behind the high-profile match, including sponsorship agreements, appearance fees, and other logistical expenses.
The petitioners have raised concerns about the government's plans to host the match at Raila Odinga International Stadium, questioning whether the event is genuinely self-financing as claimed by the government. President William Ruto announced the fixture on October 28, 2026, but the petitioners argue that the government has failed to disclose the identities of corporate sponsors, their financial contributions, and the contractual obligations entered into with the two foreign clubs.
According to media reports cited in the petition, Bayern Munich could receive approximately KSh724.6 million in appearance fees. The petitioners are demanding details of expenditure relating to travel, accommodation, security, insurance, hospitality, and other logistical arrangements. They contend that describing the event as privately sponsored does not automatically shield taxpayers from direct or indirect financial obligations arising from hosting the two international football clubs.
The six petitioners want the court to restrain the Attorney General, Sports Cabinet Secretary, National Treasury, and Sports Kenya from authorising, allocating, releasing, or spending public funds on the event unless the expenditure is demonstrated to comply with the Constitution and financial laws. They have also sought preservation of all financial records, procurement documents, sponsorship agreements, and official correspondence relating to the match, alongside an independent audit of any public expenditure or financial commitments.
The petitioners have cited Articles 10, 35, 201, 206, 221, and 226 of the Constitution, arguing that public resources must be managed transparently and accountably. They insist they are not opposed to international sporting events but want the government to demonstrate value for money and measurable benefits to Kenyans. The petitioners also argue that Talanta Stadium, built using public resources, should promote local sporting talent, create employment, and generate sustainable economic opportunities.
The Law Society of Kenya and Katiba Institute have been listed as interested parties in the petition. The petitioners are seeking to ensure that the government is transparent and accountable in its management of public resources, particularly in the context of high-profile events like the proposed Bayern Munich – Ajax match.
The case will likely have significant implications for the management of public funds in Kenya, particularly in the context of international sporting events. The court's decision will determine whether the government can proceed with its plans to host the match using public funds, and whether it must disclose the financial arrangements behind the event.
Key points
- The petitioners are seeking to stop the government from spending public funds on the proposed January 5, 2027 Bayern Munich – Ajax football friendly at Raila Odinga International Stadium.
- The government has been accused of failing to disclose the identities of corporate sponsors, their financial contributions, and the contractual obligations entered into with the two foreign clubs.
- The petitioners are demanding details of expenditure relating to travel, accommodation, security, insurance, hospitality, and other logistical arrangements.
