Nairobi court declines to fast-track petition challenging use of public funds in Bayern Munich vs Ajax match

The petitioners had sought conservatory orders restraining the State, its agents, servants or any other persons acting under its authority from authorising, allocating, releasing, committing or spending public funds on the event unless such expenditure is demonstrated to comply with the Constitution and applicable financial laws.

They also sought orders barring the government from entering into financial commitments, guarantees, indemnities or contractual obligations that could expose public funds to liabilities arising from the event.

Additionally, the petitioners wanted the government compelled to disclose all sponsorship agreements, financial commitments, guarantees, contracts and budgetary allocations relating to the event, as well as preserve relevant financial records, procurement documents and correspondence.

However, Justice Aburili noted that the remedies sought in the main petition were similar to those contained in the notice of motion.

"I am not satisfied that the petition and the notice of motion dated 1/11/2026 are urgent and or that they should be considered ex parte, substantively in terms of the interim orders sought," the judge ruled.

The court declined to certify the application as urgent and directed the petitioners to serve the petition and notice of motion on all respondents and interested parties.

The respondents and interested parties will have 10 days after service to file and serve their responses to the petition and notice of motion.

The matter will be mentioned on November 25, 2026, for further directions.