Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has criticised President William Ruto over the cost of the Raila Odinga International Stadium and plans to have foreign teams play at the facility during its opening event.

Speaking during a live interview on Wednesday, October 28, Gachagua questioned whether spending Sh145 billion on the stadium was the best use of public money, arguing that the funds could have helped improve universities and other important public facilities.

The former Deputy President said Kenya already had major sports facilities, including the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, and Nyayo National Stadium. He questioned the need for another expensive stadium when universities were facing financial and operational challenges.

Gachagua argued that the money could have been directed towards universities to help them improve their services and operations.

He also questioned the decision to invite foreign teams for the stadium's opening match, asking why Kenyan clubs could not be included in the event.

“Don't we have teams in Kenya? Don't we have Gor Mahia? Don't we have AFC Leopards?” he asked during the interview.

Gachagua argued that if organisers wanted to bring a popular European club to play in Kenya, they could have arranged a match against a local side to give Kenyan football a place in the occasion.

He said the decision to feature foreign teams at a stadium funded by Kenyan taxpayers raised questions about patriotism and the country's support for local football.

The DCP leader also accused Ruto of using the stadium project to win political support from Raila Odinga's supporters. He suggested that the project was being presented as a major achievement in the hope of attracting political goodwill.

Gachagua described the project and the emphasis on foreign teams as a form of neocolonialism, arguing that Kenya should give its own teams and institutions greater priority.

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