A group of Kenyan citizens and human rights defenders has moved to court seeking to stop the government from committing public funds towards the proposed international friendly match between German football giants FC Bayern Munich and Dutch side AFC Ajax.
The petitioners have filed an application at the Milimani Law Courts seeking conservatory orders restraining the government and other respondents from authorising, allocating, releasing or spending public money on the highly anticipated match scheduled for January 5, 2027, at Talanta Stadium.
In their application, the petitioners are also seeking orders compelling the respondents to disclose, within seven days, all sponsorship agreements and contracts entered into with the two European clubs or their representatives.
They want the government to provide details of the corporate sponsors involved, their respective financial contributions and obligations, as well as a comprehensive breakdown of the expected expenditure.
The proposed disclosure includes appearance fees, travel, accommodation, security, insurance, hospitality and other logistical expenses associated with hosting the two football giants.
The petitioners have raised concerns over reports that hosting the clubs could cost approximately five million euros, equivalent to KSh724.6 million, arguing that the figure has not been independently verified and requires official clarification.
They maintain that despite assurances that the event will be commercially sponsored and self-sustaining, there is insufficient information regarding the financial arrangements and whether the government will shoulder direct or indirect financial obligations.
The applicants are further seeking orders compelling the preservation of all financial records, procurement documents, sponsorship agreements, contracts, correspondence, approvals and Cabinet memoranda relating to the proposed event.
According to the petitioners, Kenyans have a constitutional right to access information on the utilisation of public resources, particularly where government institutions and publicly funded infrastructure such as Talanta Stadium are involved.
Citing Articles 35 and 201 of the Constitution, they argue that transparency, accountability and prudent management of public finances must guide any government involvement in the sporting event.
They have, however, clarified that their legal challenge is not intended to oppose sports development or international sporting partnerships but to ensure that the arrangements comply with the law and guarantee value for public money.
The court application follows President William Ruto’s announcement on October 28, 2026, confirming plans for the high-profile friendly match between Bayern Munich and Ajax in Nairobi.
The petitioners have asked the court to certify the application as urgent and prioritise its hearing, pending the determination of the case.
