“Don’t We Have Teams in Kenya?” Gachagua Questions Foreign Clubs’ Role in Talanta Stadium Opening

Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has questioned the government’s reported plan to open Talanta Stadium with a match between foreign football clubs, arguing that Kenyan teams should also feature in the historic event.

His remarks follow an announcement that German club Bayern Munich and Dutch side Ajax are expected to play the stadium’s inaugural match on January 5, 2027. Gachagua has argued that local clubs deserve recognition, particularly because Kenyan taxpayers are funding the stadium’s construction.

“How can a stadium that will cost 145 billion to be paid for by the taxpayers… the first game is done by foreigners? Don’t we have teams in Kenya? Don’t we have Gor Mahia, don’t we have AFC Leopards?” Gachagua asked during a televised interview.

He has maintained that even if international fixtures are intended to attract large crowds, Kenyan clubs should be included to promote local football and strengthen national pride.

“Even if you bring Man U and Arsenal, you’ll still be one-time… these gimmicks, the people of Kenya can see through what he’s trying to do,” he added, criticising what he described as a publicity-driven approach to the stadium’s opening.

Gachagua has also said that an opposition-led administration would organise its own official inauguration of the facility after the next general election.

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