Ruto attends high-profile gala hosted by Russian President Putin in Moscow

Kenya's President William Ruto has announced that Bayern Munich and Ajax will face off in the inaugural match at the nation's new national stadium, set to open on January 5, 2027. The match will mark the grand unveiling of the 60,000-capacity Raila Odinga International Stadium, previously known as Talanta Stadium. Ruto emphasized that the clash between the two top European football clubs, together having won ten European championships, would be a historic event.

The stadium, named after the late Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, will also be utilized for matches during the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Ruto highlighted the significance of the fixture, connecting Bayern's German roots to Odinga and Ajax's focus on nurturing young talent. Both clubs have accepted the invitation, with Ajax calling it an honor and Bayern seeing it as an opportunity to strengthen ties with supporters across Africa. The event is expected to boost football interest in Kenya ahead of the upcoming AFCON 2027.