Man United and Arsenal set for African friendly at new 60,000-seater stadium, Kenyan football chief claims

Manchester United and Arsenal could meet in a high-profile friendly in Kenya next summer, according to the country's Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.

Murkomen suggested that the Premier League rivals would travel to Nairobi in June or July 2027 to play at the new 60,000-capacity Raila Odinga International Stadium.

High-profile friendly set to take place in Nairobi

Speaking to residents of Makutano in Marakwet West on October 30, Murkomen indicated that the game would follow the stadium's official opening, which is scheduled to take place in January.

The Kenyan government has already secured an international friendly between Bayern Munich and Ajax for January 5, 2027, with the fixture set to inaugurate the new venue at Talanta Sports City.

Murkomen suggested that the European giants' visit would be the beginning of a wider programme of major sporting events at the stadium.

“The president has elevated Kenya's status and given us respect before the whole world,” Murkomen said. “For the first time ever, Kenya is respected. We are now hosting Bayern Munich and Ajax at Talanta.

“And this is just the first game. When the current Premier League season ends, around June or July, Manchester United will play Arsenal in Nairobi. My police officers will have a very difficult task because locals here will trek to Nairobi.”

𝙄𝙣𝙖𝙪𝙜𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙉𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙪𝙢 𝙞𝙣 𝙆𝙚𝙣𝙮𝙖 🏟️

A special match to kick off the new year: FC Bayern travels to Nairobi on January 5, 2027, and will face Ajax Amsterdam as part of the ceremonial opening of the new national stadium, Raila Odinga International Stadium at Talanta Sports City.

🔗 https://t.co/WwSVkSXH5o

— FC Bayern (@FCBayernEN) October 28, 2026

The fixture is yet to be confirmed, with neither Manchester United or Arsenal publicly addressing Murkomen's comments, but Bayern have stated they are “very much looking forward” to inaugurating the Raila Odinga International Stadium.

In  a statement, Bayern board member Rouven Kasper said: “FC Bayern has millions of fantastic fans in Africa with whom we feel a close connection – it’s a continent with a huge passion for football.

“For many years, we have consistently maintained a presence in America and Asia with our ‘Audi Summer Tour’.

“Now we have a new opportunity to further strengthen our connection with our fans in Africa too, to allow people to experience FC Bayern first-hand and to underline our club’s international appeal.

“We will be making a further contribution to raising the profile of the Bundesliga and are very much looking forward to this special event.”

FGG Says: Manchester United vs Arsenal would be a major occasion

The prospect of Manchester United and Arsenal meeting in Nairobi would be a significant moment for Kenyan football, particularly with the country preparing to co-host the Africa Cup of Nations in 2027.

The Bayern Munich versus Ajax fixture will already provide an impressive opening occasion for the new stadium, but attracting two of the Premier League's most recognisable clubs would further raise its profile.