NAIROBI, Kenya – President William Ruto has endorsed calls to rename Talanta Stadium after the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, marking one of the most significant national tributes yet to the opposition leader’s legacy.
The announcement came during the 62nd Jamhuri Day celebrations at Nyayo National Stadium, where public appeals for the renaming were made directly to the President.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, speaking during the ceremony, urged the Head of State to honour the wishes of Nairobi residents who want the soon-to-be-completed Talanta Stadium to take on Raila’s name.
His remarks were met with loud cheers, with the crowd echoing the proposal in unison.
President Ruto, who used his speech to outline government plans to upgrade and modernise key sports facilities — including Nyayo Stadium — acknowledged the public sentiment and said the government would officially adopt the change.
“You know the good work that has been ongoing at Talanta Stadium, and having listened to the Nairobi Governor, that you people want Talanta to be renamed to which name?” Ruto asked, prompting thousands to respond: “Raila Odinga!”
He added, “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.”
The move is expected to cement Odinga’s legacy in national politics and sports development, with the facility set to become one of Kenya’s premier multipurpose arenas once completed.
