English Premier League giants Manchester United and Arsenal could be heading to Nairobi for a high-profile football clash in 2027, if Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen’s words are anything to go by. Arsenal players compete for the ball during their Premier League match against Manchester United at Emirates Stadium in London on January 25. Murkomen made the remarks on Friday, October 30, while addressing residents of Makutano in Marakwet West, Elgeyo Marakwet County. He suggested that the proposed encounter would take place around June or July, after the conclusion of the current Premier League season. The CS praised President William Ruto for what he described as the administration’s commitment to addressing the interests of young people, particularly through investment in sports infrastructure.
He pointed to the planned opening of the 60,000-seater Raila Odinga International Stadium at Talanta Sports City in Nairobi, where German giants Bayern Munich are scheduled to face Dutch side Ajax Amsterdam on January 5, 2027. Will Manchester United play Arsenal at Raila Odinga Stadium? However, Murkomen indicated that the January fixture would only be the beginning of more international sporting events at the facility, which is expected to play a major role in Kenya’s preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). “The president has elevated Kenya’s status and given us respect before the whole world. For the first time ever, Kenya is respected. We are now hosting Bayern Munich and Ajax at Talanta,” Murkomen said. He then disclosed plans for another major football spectacle, suggesting that Manchester United and Arsenal could meet in Nairobi after the Premier League season ends. “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,” he said. The 60,000-capacity facility, located along Ngong Road in Nairobi, is among the venues expected to host matches during the 2027 AFCON, which Kenya will co-host with Tanzania and Uganda from June 19 to July 17.
