Six Kenyans have moved to the High Court in Nairobi seeking disclosure of the financial arrangements surrounding the proposed international football friendly between German giants FC Bayern Munich and Dutch side AFC Ajax at Talanta Stadium on January 5, 2027.

The petitioners want the government compelled to reveal how much taxpayers could be required to contribute towards the high-profile match, including appearance fees, travel, accommodation, security, insurance and other logistical expenses.

In a petition filed at the Milimani High Court, the six are also seeking orders restraining the government from committing, allocating, releasing or spending public funds towards the event unless such expenditure is demonstrated to comply with the Constitution and financial laws.

The case follows President William Ruto's announcement on October 28, 2026, that the two European clubs would face off in an international friendly at the newly developed Talanta Stadium.

According to the petitioners, media reports published on October 30 indicated that Bayern Munich could receive approximately five million euros (about Sh724.6 million) as an appearance fee.

However, they emphasise that the reported figure has not been independently verified and are asking the government to provide official clarification.

In an affidavit, first petitioner Erick Sayialel Mankuyu said the President had described the event as commercially funded but argued that the statement did not establish whether taxpayers would be completely shielded from financial obligations.

During the announcement, President Ruto reportedly stated: "This match will be delivered by corporate partnerships and a self-sustaining commercial model."

The petitioners now want the Attorney General, Sports Cabinet Secretary, National Treasury Cabinet Secretary and Sports Kenya to disclose the identities of the corporate sponsors, their financial contributions and the contractual arrangements governing the event.

They are also seeking a detailed breakdown of the budget for the visiting teams' appearance fees, travel, accommodation, security, insurance, hospitality and logistical expenses.

The applicants want the respondents compelled to produce the information within seven days.

They further want all financial records, procurement documents, sponsorship agreements, contracts, correspondence and government approvals relating to the match preserved pending determination of the petition.

The six argue that the involvement of publicly funded infrastructure such as Talanta Stadium gives Kenyans a legitimate interest in understanding the financial arrangements.

They cite Article 35 of the Constitution, which guarantees citizens access to information held by the State, and Article 201, which requires openness, accountability and prudent use of public resources.

"We do not oppose the development of sports, international sporting cooperation or the hosting of international football matches in Kenya," Mankuyu states in the affidavit.

"Our concern is whether the proposed financial arrangements demonstrate value for money, lawful expenditure, transparency and measurable benefits to Kenyan citizens."

The petitioners further argue that Talanta Stadium should promote local sporting talent, employment opportunities and sustainable economic benefits.

They have asked the court to certify their application as urgent and issue conservatory orders pending the hearing and determination of the case.

The Law Society of Kenya and Katiba Institute have been named as interested parties.