Kenyan Senator John Methu has faced online backlash for questioning the use of taxpayers' money to host a football match between Bayern Munich and Ajax Amsterdam at the new Raila Odinga International Stadium in Nairobi. The match is scheduled for January 5, 2027, and is set to be the stadium's opening event. Methu's comments sparked a heated debate on social media, with some Kenyans supporting his concerns about the use of public funds for the event.
The debate gained momentum when social media users resurfaced a video of Methu attending a match between West Ham United and Arsenal at London Stadium. In the footage, Methu is seen celebrating a goal that was later ruled out following a video assistant referee (VAR) review. Critics argued that Methu had traveled to England to watch football at the expense of his constituents, while criticizing plans to bring international football to Kenya.
President William Ruto announced the Bayern-Ajax match as part of the stadium's opening celebrations, citing corporate partnerships and a commercially sustainable model to fund the event. The stadium, named after former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, is one of the facilities expected to host matches during the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania.
Methu's critics argued that he had not supported local football, with some users claiming he had never attended a local match. Others questioned why he had traveled to Europe to watch football but was criticizing plans to host an international fixture in Kenya. However, some users defended Methu's right to question the use of public resources, while others supported the planned match, citing its potential to attract international attention and generate economic activity.
The online debate highlighted mixed reactions to the planned match, with some Kenyans welcoming the prospect of watching two prominent European clubs play in Kenya. Others continued to question whether public resources should be used to host the event. The match is seen as an opportunity for local fans to experience international football without traveling abroad.
President Ruto linked the fixture to Raila Odinga's legacy, citing his connection to Germany and love of football. The event is expected to be a major milestone for the new stadium, which is part of the Talanta Sports City development in Nairobi. The stadium has a capacity of 60,000 and is expected to host several high-profile events in the coming years.
The controversy surrounding Methu's comments highlights the challenges of balancing public opinion and resource allocation in Kenya. As the country prepares to co-host the 2027 AFCON, the use of public funds for sports infrastructure and events will likely remain a contentious issue. The Bayern-Ajax match is set to take place on January 5, 2027, with both clubs confirming their participation.
Key points
- Kenyan senator John Methu faces online backlash for questioning use of public funds for Bayern-Ajax match
- The match is set to take place on January 5, 2027, at the new Raila Odinga International Stadium in Nairobi
- The event is part of Kenya's preparations to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Uganda and Tanzania
