Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has criticised the government’s decision to feature European clubs Bayern Munich and Ajax in the opening match of the multibillion-shilling Raila Odinga International Stadium, popularly known as Talanta Stadium, arguing that a local team deserved the honour.

Speaking during an interview with KTN on Wednesday night, the former Deputy President said the government should have recognised Kenyans’ patriotism by giving a local side the opportunity to feature in the inaugural match at the new facility.

In a recorded message aired by State House while he attended the Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow, President William Ruto announced that the 60,000-capacity stadium would be officially opened on January 5, 2027, with a friendly match between German giants Bayern Munich and Dutch side AFC Ajax.

Gachagua said inviting two foreign teams to open a stadium built with Kenyan taxpayers’ money overlooked the country’s footballing tradition and local clubs.

“How can a stadium that will cost Sh145 billion to be paid for by taxpayers — the people of Kenya — have the first game played by foreigners? Don’t we have teams in Kenya?” he asked.

He argued that the opening match should, at the very least, have featured a leading Kenyan Premier League side, citing 22-time league champions Gor Mahia and their perennial Mashemeji Derby rivals, AFC Leopards.

“Okay, since people like these European teams, for the argument’s sake, why couldn’t you bring one team to play against Harambee Stars?,” Gachagua asked, describing an exclusively European fixture as a failure by Kenya to demonstrate patriotism.

Gachagua announced that the United Opposition would organise an alternative grand opening ceremony at the stadium following the August 10, 2027 General Election.

“The second Tuesday after 10th of August, the inauguration of the sixth president of the Republic of Kenya will mark the Kenyan official opening of the Raila Odinga Stadium,” he said.

Ticket sales for the Bayern vs Ajax tie will go on sale on November 5, 2026.

Bayern Munich compete in Germany’s Bundesliga, while Ajax are based in Amsterdam and play in the Dutch Eredivisie.

Both clubs have a long history in European football, including success in continental competitions.

“Come January 5, 2027, we will open this stadium with a historic match between two giants of European football, FC Bayern Munich of Germany and FC Ajax of Amsterdam. Between them, they have been crowned champions of Europe ten times,” Ruto said in his address to the nation.

Officially renamed the Raila Odinga International Stadium, the facility is designed primarily for football and rugby, without an athletics track.

It is intended to host major international sporting and entertainment events.

The stadium is a flagship venue for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania.

Its facilities include executive suites, video assistant referee (VAR) technology, goal-line technology and broadcast infrastructure designed to support international sporting events, including rugby sevens.