German football giants Bayern Munich and Dutch powerhouse AFC Ajax are set to headline the opening ceremony of the Raila Odinga Talanta Stadium in Nairobi on January 5, 2027, President William Ruto has announced.
The international friendly is expected to attract significant attention from football fans across Kenya, with the two European clubs expected to bring their star players to the country for the historic occasion.
Speaking during a special address on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, President Ruto said the match would be privately funded and form part of the official opening celebrations of the stadium.
Also Read
“Ladies and gentlemen, come January 2027, we will open this stadium with a historic match of international stature between FC Bayern and Ajax,” Ruto announced.
The proposed encounter will pit Bayern Munich, one of Germany’s most successful football clubs, against Ajax, a leading Dutch side renowned for its rich history and contribution to European football.
Bayern compete in the German Bundesliga, while Ajax play in the Dutch Eredivisie. Both clubs have established themselves as major forces in European football, with numerous domestic titles and impressive records in continental competitions.
The January 5 fixture is expected to take place around the clubs’ winter breaks, potentially providing an opportunity for the teams to travel to Nairobi before their domestic leagues resume. However, the availability of individual players will depend on the final squads selected for the friendly.
Bayern Munich’s squad includes England captain Harry Kane, among other internationally recognised players. His potential participation would be a major attraction for Kenyan supporters, although the final travelling squad has yet to be confirmed.
President Ruto said the match was part of his commitment to honour the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who died in October 2025 and was widely known for his passion for football.
According to the President, the choice of European clubs also reflects Odinga’s educational links with Germany, where he studied at Leipzig University and Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg.
“This is part of my commitment to honour the late Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who studied in Germany. He loved football; he stood on the stands, and he enjoyed football with the people,” Ruto said.
The announcement comes months after the President invited English Premier League side Arsenal to Kenya to play at the stadium following the club’s Premier League triumph. The proposed visit was also intended to honour Odinga, a lifelong supporter of the North London club.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga subsequently proposed an Arsenal versus Harambee Stars match for the Raila Odinga Memorial Cup when the stadium opens, raising the possibility of another high-profile football event in honour of the former Prime Minister.
The facility, initially known as Talanta Stadium, is among Kenya’s major sports infrastructure projects. Its planned renaming to Raila Odinga International Stadium is intended to recognise the legacy of one of the country’s most prominent political figures.
The Bayern Munich versus Ajax friendly is expected to offer Kenya an opportunity to showcase its sporting infrastructure and strengthen its profile as a potential destination for major international sporting events.
For local football supporters, the prospect of watching two European clubs compete in Nairobi represents a rare opportunity to experience top-level international club football without travelling abroad.
Further details, including ticket prices, ticketing arrangements, kick-off time and the final travelling squads, are expected to be communicated as preparations for the opening ceremony progress.
📢 Have a story? Tell us!
FMFIX Hub wants to hear from you. Send us your stories, videos, and photos.