The government of Kenya has explained its decision to settle on German giants Bayern Munich and Dutch outfit Ajax Amsterdam for the official opening of the Raila Odinga International Stadium, revealing that Arsenal and Barcelona were initially considered for the high-profile occasion.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsHead of Creative Economy and Special Projects in the Office of the President, Dennis Itumbi, disclosed that the government had explored the possibility of bringing English Premier League champions Arsenal and Spanish giants Barcelona but could not secure the two clubs because their domestic leagues do not observe a winter break in January.Why South Africa-based Kenyan striker is backing Harambee Stars to shock Bafana BafanaItumbi explained that the scheduling challenge prompted the government to approach Bayern Munich and Ajax, whose respective leagues have a winter break during the period, making the fixture feasible."We were trying to get Barcelona and Arsenal, but for those teams, it is because there is no winter break. That is why we went for the two," Itumbi said.##NAJAVA_MECA_10088108##He also addressed questions over why FKF Premier League clubs were not selected for the historic occasion, explaining that local teams would have an opportunity to use the facility after its official launch. View this post on Instagram A post shared by King Elvis👑 (@its_e.lvis) "People were asking why not home teams. It is because they will be using the stadium after its launch for the longest," he added.Government explains closing Nyayo Stadium for 10 daysItumbi further revealed that the fixture forms part of a broader government strategy to position Kenya as a sports tourism destination, with the stadium opening coinciding with the launch of the Bomas International Conference and Park.He explained that the occasion would offer visitors an opportunity to experience more than football, including the wildlife attraction at Nairobi National Park.##NAJAVA_MECA_10088104##"It is the same day we are launching the Bomas International Conference and Park. It is not just about the game. You can watch the game, then go and watch the wild animals in the park. For us, it is about world sports tourism attraction and gains for the country," he stated.Matasi eyes game against Arsenal greats ahead of Harambee Stars legends clashThe former UEFA Champions League winners are scheduled to face off on Tuesday, 5 January 2027, in the official landmark opening of the 60,000-capacity stadium.
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