Ruto: Government Will Rename Talanta Stadium After Raila Odinga Once Complete
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja drew loud applause during Kenya’s 62nd Jamhuri Day celebrations after publicly appealing to President William Ruto to rename the soon-to-be-completed Talanta Stadium in honour of Raila Odinga.
Speaking before thousands of attendees at Nyayo National Stadium on Thursday, Sakaja said the proposal reflected growing calls from Nairobi residents who view the former Prime Minister as a towering figure in the country’s political history. The governor suggested that next year’s national celebrations should be held at the new arena, adding that the facility deserved a name befitting Raila’s legacy.
“We kindly request our beloved President that next year’s Jamhuri Day celebration be held at the new Talanta Stadium,” Sakaja told the crowd. “And we ask that it be named Raila Odinga Stadium.”
His remarks prompted prolonged cheers, forcing the governor to reiterate the request amid heightened excitement from the audience.
Ruto Signals Approval Amid Public Support
President Ruto, who later addressed the gathering, acknowledged the calls from Sakaja and the public. While outlining ongoing efforts to modernise national sports infrastructure—including works planned for Nyayo Stadium—Ruto signalled that the government was prepared to approve the renaming once construction of Talanta Stadium is complete.
“You know the good work that has been ongoing at Talanta Stadium,” the President said. “And having listened to the Nairobi Governor, that you people want Talanta to be renamed to which name?”
The crowd responded in unison, shouting: “Raila Odinga!”
Ruto continued, “You have said that we rename it to Raila Amolo Odinga International Stadium. I have heard you, and as soon as we are done, we will do that.”
His comments further energised the spectators, many of whom have long argued that Raila’s role in championing democratic reforms warrants national recognition.
A Landmark Project Nearing Completion
Talanta Stadium, expected to be Nairobi’s flagship sports complex, is in its final phase of construction. With a planned seating capacity of 60,000 and modern sporting amenities, the stadium aims to elevate Kenya’s profile in hosting regional and global sporting events.
The project was launched by President Ruto in March 2024 and remains on schedule for completion in March 2026. Once finished, it will join Kenya’s growing list of modernised sporting venues as the government intensifies investments ahead of future international competitions.
Sakaja’s push to have the stadium renamed in honour of Raila Odinga has been described by supporters as a “long-overdue” tribute to the former Prime Minister’s decades-long contribution to Kenya’s political landscape.
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Ruto: Government Will Rename Talanta Stadium After Raila Odinga Once Complete