Six Kenyans have moved to the High Court in Nairobi seeking to stop the government from committing public funds towards the proposed international friendly between German football giants FC Bayern Munich and Dutch side AFC Ajax scheduled for January 5, 2027, at Talanta Stadium.
In a petition filed at the Milimani Law Courts, the applicants are seeking conservatory orders restraining the government and other respondents from authorising, allocating, releasing or spending public money on the match pending the hearing and determination of the case.
The petitioners are also asking the court to compel the respondents to disclose, within seven days, all sponsorship agreements, contracts and financial arrangements entered into with the two European clubs or their representatives.
They want the government to identify the corporate sponsors involved, disclose how much each has committed and provide details of their respective financial obligations towards the event.
The applicants are further demanding a comprehensive breakdown of the anticipated expenditure, including appearance fees, international travel, accommodation, security, insurance, hospitality and other logistical arrangements.
The legal challenge comes amid questions surrounding reports that FC Bayern Munich could receive five million euros, approximately KSh724.6 million, as an appearance fee for travelling to Kenya.
The reported €5 million appearance fee emerged in German media reports, with Bayern Munich yet to publicly disclose the financial terms of its agreement for the Nairobi fixture. The petitioners are therefore seeking official clarification on the amount and the overall financial commitments associated with hosting the two clubs.
They argue that despite assurances from the government that the match will be funded through corporate partnerships and a self-sustaining commercial model, the public has not been provided with sufficient information to establish whether taxpayers will be shielded from direct or indirect financial obligations.
The petitioners are also seeking orders compelling the respondents to preserve all financial records, procurement documents, sponsorship agreements, contracts, official correspondence, approvals and Cabinet memoranda relating to the match.
They maintain that the involvement of government institutions and publicly funded infrastructure, including Talanta Stadium, makes disclosure of the financial arrangements a matter of public interest.
Citing Articles 35 and 201 of the Constitution, the applicants argue that Kenyans have a right to access information held by the State and demand accountability, transparency and prudent management of public resources.
They insist that their petition is not intended to oppose sports development, international sporting partnerships or the hosting of major football events in the country.
Instead, they want the government to demonstrate that the financial arrangements comply with the law, offer value for money and deliver measurable benefits to Kenyan citizens.
The case comes days after Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi maintained that the government would not use public funds to finance the match, saying private sponsors had been secured to meet the costs.
Mwangi, speaking on October 31, said the government had obtained sponsorship support but did not disclose the identity of the sponsor or the overall cost of bringing the two clubs to Kenya.
President William Ruto announced the planned fixture on October 28, 2026, as part of the official opening of Talanta Stadium, with the match expected to attract international attention ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania.
The petitioners want the application certified as urgent and heard in the first instance, with the court expected to consider their requests for interim orders and disclosure of the financial arrangements.
