Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has assured Bayern Munich and Ajax of the government's full support ahead of the historic opening match at the new Talanta Stadium, promising security, immigration and travel facilitation for the fans expected to attend.

In a post on X, Murkomen said he met the Bayern Munich delegation led by Andreas Kufner, the club's Head of International Activations and Tours, and the Ajax team led by Sascha Smulders, the club's Head of Global Travel.

The CS said he thanked the two European giants for choosing to stage the match on African soil. He assured them that the government would provide adequate security, immigration and travel facilitation for fans from all over the world who are expected to attend the Talanta opening match.

Murkomen described the occasion as one of the proudest moments for the nation and the region. He also congratulated President William Ruto, praising what he called visionary and transformative leadership that has made the historic encounter possible in Kenya.

The post included photos from the meeting, which appears to have been held in the CS's office.

The images show Murkomen seated at the head of a table with officials from both clubs and government representatives around him, with the national flag and other flags in the background.

The meeting comes as preparations gather pace for the official opening of the stadium, which has become a major talking point in the country.

The involvement of the Interior docket is significant, since the match is expected to draw a large crowd, including international visitors who will need smooth entry into the country and a secure environment during their stay.

The announcement also comes at a politically sensitive time. The decision to bring foreign clubs to open the stadium has drawn criticism from opposition leaders, among them former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who has questioned why local teams were not given the honour of playing first at a facility built with taxpayers' money.

By publicly praising the President and framing the match as a national achievement, Murkomen has placed the government firmly on the other side of that debate.

Government supporters are likely to argue that hosting two of Europe's most recognisable clubs will boost the country's image, attract tourism and show that Kenya can stage global sporting events.

More details on the match date, ticketing and security arrangements are expected as the opening draws near.

Link; https://x.com/kipmurkomen/status/2115538420386660543?a=ZM1yXppoJ7lfIA3wv-Y&s=19