Kenya’s Sports Principal Secretary, Elijah Mwangi, has confirmed that Bayern Munich and Ajax will send their senior teams to Kenya for the launch of the Raila Odinga International Stadium, scheduled for January 5, 2027.
Speaking during a burial service on October 31, Mwangi clarified that the teams expected in Kenya would be the main senior squads, not reserve sides or former players.
He said the clarification was necessary following claims that the country would only host the clubs’ legends during the stadium launch.
Mwangi maintained that the government would not use public funds to facilitate the visit, revealing that sponsors had already come on board to support the event.
He said the sponsorship arrangements had made it possible to bring the two European clubs to Kenya for the celebrations.
“We are not using government money. We have gone ahead, we have gotten sponsors who are coming, and they have supported, and that’s why that team will be coming,” he stated.
Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards Also Included
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The Sports PS said the stadium launch would also feature Kenya’s football giants, Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards, who would take part in the celebrations.
He noted that bringing Bayern Munich and Ajax to Kenya would attract international attention because the two clubs have a combined global following of more than 300 million people.
Mwangi said the event would provide an opportunity to showcase Kenya to an international audience through football.
“It’s good to celebrate the good deeds because those two teams have a following of over 300 million people,” he said.
“Of course, we have our team here in Kenya, Gor Mahia; we have AFC Leopards. Of course, they will also be playing in that field. But if we bring teams that have the world’s following of over 300 million people, what does that mean? We’ll be displaying what we have as a country,” he added.
Ruto Announces Bayern Munich, Ajax Clash as First Match
Also Read: Ruto Announces Bayern Munich, Ajax Clash as First Match at Raila Odinga International Stadium
President William Ruto announced that German football giants Bayern Munich will face Dutch side Ajax in the inaugural match at the Raila Amolo Odinga International Stadium, formerly known as Talanta Stadium, when it opens in January 2027.
In an address to the nation on Wednesday, October 28, Ruto said the 60,000-seater facility would officially open in January, with the high-profile fixture marking its launch.
“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.
Ruto also linked the match to Raila Odinga’s time in Germany, noting that a major German club would play at a stadium named after him.
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