Petition seeks to block public funding for Bayern Munich-Ajax friendly at Talanta Stadium

The match is scheduled for January 5, 2027, at Talanta Stadium.

In an application filed before the court, the petitioners are seeking conservatory orders restraining the government and other respondents from authorizing, allocating, releasing or spending public money on the event pending the hearing and determination of the case.

They are also seeking orders compelling the respondents to disclose, within seven days, the full sponsorship agreements and contracts entered into with the two European clubs or their representatives.

The petitioners want the government to reveal the identities of corporate sponsors, their respective financial contributions and obligations, as well as a detailed breakdown of the anticipated expenditure.

This includes appearance fees, travel, accommodation, security, insurance, hospitality and other logistical arrangements.

In their court papers, the petitioners cite a reported hosting cost of five million euros, equivalent to approximately Ksh.724.6 million. However, they acknowledge that the figure has not been independently verified and are seeking official clarification on the actual financial arrangements.

They argue that despite assurances that the event will be commercially sponsored and self-sustaining, there is insufficient information to establish whether the government will incur direct or indirect financial obligations.

The application also seeks orders compelling the preservation of all financial records, procurement documents, sponsorship agreements, contracts, correspondence, approvals and Cabinet memoranda relating to the event.

The petitioners maintain that Kenyans have a constitutional right to know how public resources are being utilised, 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 access to information held by the State and accountability in the use of public funds are fundamental principles of public finance management.

They have emphasised that the case is not intended to oppose sports development or international sporting partnerships, but to secure transparency, value for money and compliance with the law.

The application follows the President’s announcement on October 28, 2026, of the planned friendly between the two European clubs.

The petitioners are asking the court to certify the matter as urgent and have it heard in the first instance. The application is yet to be determined.