A group of Kenyan citizens and human rights defenders has moved to court seeking to prevent the government from using public resources to finance a proposed international football match between German club FC Bayern Munich and Dutch side AFC Ajax.
The petition, filed at the Milimani Law Courts, seeks to stop the government and other respondents from approving, allocating, releasing or spending public funds on the planned January 5, 2027, encounter at Raila Odinga International Stadium in Nairobi.
The applicants are asking the court to issue conservatory orders barring any public expenditure on the match until the case is heard and determined. They are also seeking orders requiring the respondents to disclose all sponsorship agreements and contracts signed with the two European clubs or their representatives within seven days.
The petitioners want details of the corporate sponsors involved, their financial commitments and obligations, as well as a comprehensive breakdown of the projected costs of hosting the event. These include appearance fees, travel, accommodation, security, insurance, hospitality and other logistical expenses.
In their court papers, the applicants refer to reports indicating that hosting the two clubs could cost approximately five million euros, equivalent to about Sh724.6 million. However, they maintain that the reported figure has not been independently verified and are seeking official clarification on the actual cost of the event.
The petitioners argue that despite assurances that the match will be commercially sponsored and financially self-sustaining, the government has not provided sufficient information on the funding arrangements. They want the court to establish whether public institutions will incur direct or indirect financial obligations in organising the fixture.
The applicants are further seeking orders to preserve all financial records, procurement documents, sponsorship agreements, contracts, correspondence, approvals and Cabinet memoranda relating to the match.
They argue that Kenyans have a constitutional right to access information held by the State and to know how public resources are being utilised. Citing Articles 35 and 201 of the Constitution, the petitioners maintain that transparency, accountability and prudent management of public finances are essential, particularly where government institutions are involved in major sporting events.
They have clarified that their legal action is not intended to oppose sports development or international sporting partnerships but to ensure that the event is conducted transparently, offers value for money and complies with the law. The case follows the President’s announcement on October 28, 2026, of the proposed friendly match between the two European football clubs.
The petitioners are seeking to have the application certified as urgent and heard as a priority.
