Nyandarua Senator John Methu has come under fire online after questioning the use of taxpayers’ money to host Bayern Munich and Ajax Amsterdam at the planned opening of the new Raila Odinga International Stadium, with critics revisiting footage of him watching a football match in England.
Methu questioned the cost of the planned January 5, 2027, fixture shortly after President William Ruto announced that the two European clubs would play at the 60,000-seater facility in Nairobi.
“Is the stadium too good to be opened by taxpayers?” Methu posted on social media.
His remarks sparked mixed reactions, with some Kenyans questioning the use of public funds for the event, while others welcomed the prospect of watching two prominent European clubs play in Kenya.
The debate intensified when social media users resurfaced a video of Methu at London Stadium during a match between West Ham United and Arsenal.
In the footage, the senator is seen celebrating what appeared to be a West Ham goal, which was later ruled out following a video assistant referee (VAR) review.
Methu had shared footage from the match on social media, showing himself supporting West Ham and questioning the officiating.
Following his criticism of the planned stadium opener, some users questioned why he had travelled to England to watch football while challenging an event intended to bring international teams to Kenya.
“Hii experience ndio tumeletewa karibu. Sio nyinyi tu mtakuwa mnaona game ka hizi,” Kanairo wrote, arguing that the fixture would give more Kenyans an opportunity to experience international football locally.
Thinwa Gitia also questioned the senator’s position, writing: “But you had to travel all the way to England on Nyandarua people's taxes to experience something President Ruto is bringing to Kenyans. Mjinga ni nani?”
Another user, Ispan Kimutai, claimed Methu had not supported local football, writing: “You have never attended any local football match.”
Bobby McAgundo described the situation as a “double standard”, while Wanyama questioned why the senator had travelled to Europe to watch football but was criticising plans to host an international fixture in Kenya.
However, other users defended Methu’s right to question the use of public resources, while some supported the planned match, arguing that bringing established European clubs to Nairobi would give local fans a chance to watch international football without travelling abroad.
“Everything can't be POLITICAL!!!!!!! This is a good MOVE!!!” Charles Wekesa wrote.
Peter Odhiambo also welcomed the prospect of watching the teams locally, saying: “I want also to feel the experience and excitement.”
Other commenters argued that the fixture could attract international attention and generate economic activity, while some continued to question whether public resources should be used to host the event.
Ruto announced on Wednesday that Bayern Munich and Ajax Amsterdam would play the opening match at the new Raila Odinga International Stadium at Talanta Sports City in Nairobi on January 5, 2027.
The two clubs have confirmed the fixture, which comes as Kenya prepares to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
The stadium is among the facilities expected to host matches during the continental tournament.
Ruto said the opening event would be supported through corporate partnerships and a commercially sustainable model intended to attract private investment and generate revenue.
The President also linked the fixture to the legacy of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, after whom the stadium is named, citing his connection to Germany and his love of football.
