Shollei Breaks Down in Tears of Pride Over Bayern Munich, Ajax Matches in Kenya

Uasin Gishu Woman Representative Gladys Boss Shollei has expressed immense pride following President William Ruto’s announcement that German football giants Bayern Munich and Dutch side AFC Ajax are expected to play in Kenya, describing the development as a major milestone in the country’s international profile.

Shollei said she was moved to tears after listening to the President announce the planned high-profile football fixtures at the Raila Odinga International Stadium, saying the development carries significant meaning for Kenya beyond the sporting event itself.

“I listened to President Ruto announce that Bayern Munich and Ajax are coming to play at the Raila Odinga International Stadium and I cried. My heart swelled with pride,” Shollei said.

The Uasin Gishu legislator noted that the visit by the two internationally renowned football clubs presents Kenya with an important opportunity to market itself globally, attract international attention and demonstrate its growing capacity to host major sporting events.

According to Shollei, the planned matches will place Kenya on the international football map, generating headlines across the world while showcasing the country's readiness to attract international teams, investors and other major sporting events.

She described the development as a significant statement about Kenya's sporting infrastructure, particularly the ability of the country to attract globally recognised football clubs to compete at a world-class facility.

Shollei further observed that securing fixtures involving clubs of Bayern Munich and Ajax's stature is not a simple undertaking, considering their demanding competition schedules and international commitments.

She explained that arranging such matches requires careful coordination, including aligning club calendars, confirming availability and securing sponsorship arrangements to make the fixtures possible.

The legislator cautioned Kenyans against dismissing the achievement or making unreasonable demands for international matches without appreciating the complex arrangements involved in organising such high-profile sporting events.

She argued that the opportunity should instead be viewed as a national achievement capable of strengthening Kenya's international image and positioning the country as an attractive destination for global sporting activities.

Shollei also urged Kenyans to separate national development milestones from political differences, insisting that some achievements deserve collective support regardless of political affiliation.

“There are some things that should not be politicised. This is one of them,” she stated.

Her remarks come amid growing public debate following President Ruto's announcement of the planned international football fixtures, with the proposed matches expected to draw attention to Kenya's investment in sports infrastructure and ambitions to become a major sporting destination in Africa.

The anticipated visit by Bayern Munich and Ajax is also expected to provide an opportunity to showcase Kenya's sporting facilities, hospitality industry and broader economic potential to an international audience.