RUTO's Government breaks silence on cost of bringing Bayern Munich and Ajax to Kenya for Talanta Stadium launch – "We are not using government money”

Sunday, November 01, 2026 - President William Ruto's government has moved to address concerns over the cost of bringing European football giants Bayern Munich and Ajax to Kenya for the official opening of Raila Odinga Stadium (Talanta Stadium)

Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi has clarified that taxpayers will not foot the bill for the high-profile football fixture, revealing that the government has secured sponsors to finance the event.

Mwangi has dismissed concerns over the use of public funds, insisting that private partners had already committed financial support towards hosting the two clubs.

“We are not using government money. We have gone ahead and gotten sponsors who are coming on board and have given support.

“That is why those teams will be coming,” the PS stated.

Mwangi also dismissed speculation that Bayern Munich would send its former players for the historic encounter, insisting that the government had approached the clubs' senior teams.

“I want to put it on record that the team that will be coming will be the main team.

“I have seen some people saying we will be bringing legends. The team that we have approached is the main team,” he added.

The PS argued that hosting the European heavyweights would give Kenya international exposure, citing their combined global following of more than 300 million supporters.

President Ruto announced on Wednesday, October 28, that Talanta Stadium would officially open on January 5, 2027, with a historic match between Bayern Munich and Ajax.

"On 5 January 2027, we will open this stadium with a historic match between two giants of European football: FC Bayern Munich of Germany and AFC Ajax of Amsterdam," Ruto announced.

The President also linked the German club's visit to the late Raila Odinga's educational background in Germany, adding symbolic significance to the stadium bearing his name.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.