The High Court has declined to certify as urgent a petition seeking to stop the government from committing public funds towards the proposed Bayern Munich versus AFC Ajax friendly scheduled for Tuesday, 5 January, at the Raila Odinga International Stadium.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsJustice Roselyne Aburili declined to grant the petitioners' request for urgent consideration, noting that the interim remedies sought in their application were substantially similar to those outlined in the main petition.##NAJAVA_MECA_10088120##In directions issued on Monday, 2 November, the judge ordered the six petitioners to serve the petition and notice of motion, dated Sunday, 1 November, on all respondents and interested parties. The respondents will have 10 days after service to file and serve their responses.The matter has been scheduled for mention on Wednesday, 25 November, for further directions.The petition, filed under case number HCCHRPET/E737/2026, seeks to compel the government to disclose the financial arrangements behind the high-profile exhibition match between the German and Dutch football giants.Life long AFC Leopards fan eyeing win over Ingwe as 3K FC captainLed by Erick Mankuyio and Julius Kamau, the six petitioners are seeking conservatory orders restraining the government and its agencies from authorising, allocating, releasing or committing public funds towards the event unless such expenditure is demonstrated to comply with the Constitution and applicable financial laws.They also want the court to bar the State from entering into financial commitments, guarantees, indemnities or contractual obligations that could expose taxpayers to liabilities arising from the match.Additionally, the petitioners want the Attorney General, Sports Cabinet Secretary, National Treasury Cabinet Secretary and Sports Kenya compelled to disclose all sponsorship agreements, contracts, government guarantees, budgetary allocations and other financial commitments relating to the event.Why Kenya shelved plans to have Barcelona vs Arsenal launch Talanta StadiumThey have further asked the court to order the preservation of all relevant financial records, procurement documents, contracts and correspondence pending the determination of the case.In their petition, the six have raised concerns over reports suggesting that Bayern Munich could receive approximately five million euros (about Ksh724.6 million) as an appearance fee. They, however, acknowledge that the reported figure has not been independently verified.The petitioners argue that assurances that the match will be commercially funded are insufficient without full disclosure of the financial arrangements and guarantees that could potentially expose taxpayers to liabilities.Government provides latest update on Migori Stadium renovation [PHOTOS]Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi, however, reiterated over the weekend that the event would be financed through private investment, insisting that no public funds would be used to stage the match.The case follows President William Ruto's Wednesday, 28 October, announcement that Bayern Munich would face AFC Ajax in an international friendly at the newly constructed stadium. Both clubs have since confirmed their participation.The encounter will serve as an exhibition match ahead of the official opening of the facility, which has been under construction for the past two years.##NAJAVA_MECA_10088160##The 60,000-seater venue, named after former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, will be the largest sporting facility in the country and is expected to serve as Kenya's main stadium during the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which the country will co-host with Tanzania and Uganda.The petitioners maintain that their case is not intended to oppose the hosting of international sporting events but to ensure transparency, accountability and the protection of public resources.The Law Society of Kenya and Katiba Institute have been listed as interested parties.Matasi eyes game against Arsenal greats ahead of Harambee Stars legends clashIn declining to certify the matter as urgent, Justice Aburili stated that the petitioners had not demonstrated why the application should be considered ex parte or why the substantive interim orders sought should be granted before the respondents had an opportunity to respond."I am not satisfied that the petition and the notice of motion dated 1/11/2026 are urgent and/or that they should be considered ex parte, substantively in terms of the interim orders sought," the judge ruled.Dakar Olympics: Mighty Kenya claim gold after massive upset against Australia
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