NAIROBI, Kenya- Activists have petitioned the High Court to stop the government from committing public funds to the Bayern Munich–Ajax match scheduled to open the Raila Odinga International Stadium in January 2027.
In a petition filed at the Milimani High Court, they are seeking conservatory orders barring the government from authorising, allocating, releasing or spending public money on the event unless the expenditure is shown to comply with the Constitution and financial laws.
The match is scheduled for January 5 at the stadium, also known as Talanta Sports City.
The petitioners want the government to disclose the sponsorship agreements and contracts with the clubs or their representatives within seven days.
They are also seeking the names of corporate sponsors, the amount each is contributing and a breakdown of anticipated costs, including appearance fees, travel, accommodation, security, insurance, hospitality and logistics.
The court papers cite media reports that hosting the clubs could cost five million euros, approximately Sh724.6 million.
The petitioners say the figure has not been independently verified and are asking the government to clarify the actual cost and funding arrangements.
They are also seeking preservation of financial records, procurement documents, sponsorship agreements, correspondence and government approvals related to the match.
Their petition cites constitutional provisions on access to information and accountability in the use of public resources.
Government says sponsors will pay
The application follows assurances from Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi that the match will not be funded with public money.
“We are not using government money. We have gotten sponsors for the game,” Mwangi said, adding that organisers had secured sponsorship to finance the event.
The petitioners argue that the assurance does not answer questions about possible direct or indirect public obligations.
They say the use of a publicly funded stadium makes the financial arrangements a matter of public interest.
They said their case is not opposed to sports development or international football matches in Kenya, but seeks transparency, lawful spending and value for money.
The petitioners have asked the court to certify the application as urgent and issue orders pending the hearing and determination of the case.
