Gachagua Questions Bayern and Ajax Choice for Talanta Stadium Opening, Wants Kenyan Teams Included

Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has questioned the government’s decision to feature Bayern Munich and Ajax in the opening match of the new Talanta Stadium, arguing that Kenyan clubs should have been given the opportunity to headline the historic occasion.

The former Deputy President said the inaugural match at the multibillion-shilling facility should recognise local football teams and the contribution of Kenyan taxpayers towards the construction of the stadium.

Speaking during an interview with KTN on Wednesday night, October 28, Gachagua criticised the decision to invite two European clubs to open the facility instead of giving a Kenyan side a chance to feature in the first match.

President William Ruto announced that the 60,000-seater stadium would officially open on January 5, 2027, with a friendly match between German Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich and Dutch Eredivisie side Ajax.

The announcement was made in a recorded address aired by State House while Ruto attended the Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow.

Gachagua questioned why the government had chosen an exclusively European fixture for a stadium financed using public resources, arguing that the opening match should have reflected Kenya’s footballing identity.

“How can a stadium that will cost Sh145 billion to be paid for by taxpayers — the people of Kenya — have the first game played by foreigners? Don’t we have teams in Kenya?” he asked.

The DCP leader argued that established Kenyan clubs deserved consideration for the occasion, pointing to Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards as possible candidates.

Gor Mahia, one of Kenya’s most successful football clubs, has won the domestic league title 22 times. AFC Leopards, meanwhile, remain among the country’s best-known football teams, with their rivalry with Gor Mahia forming one of Kenyan football’s biggest fixtures.

Gachagua suggested that the government could have retained the international appeal of the event while giving local players an opportunity to participate.

He proposed inviting one of the European clubs to face the national team, Harambee Stars, instead of having Bayern Munich and Ajax play each other.

“Okay, since people like these European teams, for the argument’s sake, why couldn’t you bring one team to play against Harambee Stars?” he asked.

He maintained that the opening ceremony should demonstrate patriotism by recognising Kenyan footballers and the country’s domestic competition.

Beyond criticising the planned fixture, Gachagua announced that the United Opposition would organise an alternative grand opening ceremony at the stadium following the August 10, 2027, General Election.

He linked the proposed event to the inauguration of Kenya’s next president, saying it would provide another opportunity to celebrate the facility’s national significance.

“The second Tuesday after 10th of August, the inauguration of the sixth president of the Republic of Kenya will mark the Kenyan official opening of the Raila Odinga Stadium,” he said.

The remarks introduce a political dimension to the stadium’s opening, with the facility already attracting attention because of its cost, international sporting ambitions and planned inaugural match.

Bayern Munich and Ajax Set for Historic Match

Bayern Munich and Ajax are among Europe’s most recognisable football clubs, with both sides boasting extensive domestic and continental honours.

Bayern compete in Germany’s Bundesliga, while Ajax play in the Dutch Eredivisie and are based in Amsterdam.

Announcing the January 5 fixture, President Ruto said the two clubs had collectively won Europe’s top club competition ten times.

“Come January 5, 2027, we will open this stadium with a historic match between two giants of European football, FC Bayern Munich of Germany and FC Ajax of Amsterdam. Between them, they have been crowned champions of Europe ten times,” Ruto said.

Ticket sales for the match were scheduled to begin on November 5, 2026, according to the announcement reported by The Star.

The fixture is expected to bring international attention to the new stadium and give Kenyan football fans an opportunity to watch two established European sides in action.

Stadium Designed for Major Sporting Events

The facility, officially renamed the Raila Odinga International Stadium and popularly known as Talanta Stadium, has a planned capacity of 60,000 spectators.

Unlike traditional multipurpose stadiums with athletics tracks, the venue is designed primarily for football and rugby, with infrastructure intended to accommodate major sporting and entertainment events.

Its facilities include executive suites, video assistant referee (VAR) technology, goal-line technology and broadcasting infrastructure to support international competitions.

The stadium is also a flagship venue for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Kenya is scheduled to co-host with Uganda and Tanzania.

Its readiness and ability to host major international fixtures will therefore be important as the three East African countries prepare for the continental football tournament.

While the government has presented the Bayern Munich-Ajax fixture as a major sporting occasion, Gachagua’s remarks have brought attention to a different question: whether a stadium built with public money should open with a match featuring international clubs alone or include a leading Kenyan side.

The debate places local football, national pride and the use of public resources at the centre of discussions surrounding the stadium’s historic opening.