By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
Kenya, December 12 2025- President William Ruto has agreed to rename the new Talanta Stadium in Nairobi in honour of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, following a heartfelt appeal that captured national attention during Jamhuri Day celebrations.
The proposal, first raised publicly by Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja at Nyayo National Stadium, drew overwhelming approval from the crowd. Sakaja said Nairobi residents wanted the upcoming facility to reflect Raila’s long record as a national figure who helped shape Kenya’s political landscape. His remarks stirred a wave of applause, prompting the President to address the matter directly in his Jamhuri Day speech moments later.
Ruto, while outlining the government’s plan to modernise major sports venues, paused to ask the crowd what name they preferred for the new stadium. The response was immediate and unified: “Raila Odinga!” The President then confirmed that the government would support the renaming once construction is complete.
“I have heard you,” he said, adding that the move would be effected after the finishing touches on the stadium, which is due for completion in March 2026. The 60,000-seater arena is one of Nairobi’s flagship sports projects and a key part of the country’s wider sports infrastructure overhaul.
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Renaming a public facility involves a formal legal process, beginning with a proposal such as the one championed by Governor Sakaja. The request now moves to the relevant ministries, including Sports, Lands and Public Works, for review before being presented to the Cabinet and the President for final sign-off.
If approved, the government will invite public participation to test public sentiment and address concerns from stakeholders. Legal checks will follow to ensure the new name fits national laws governing public assets and heritage sites, while ongoing contracts and project documents will be reviewed to avoid conflicts.
Once all clearances are granted, the new name—Raila Odinga International Stadium—will be formalised through a gazette notice. Updated signage, official documents, digital platforms and maps will then reflect the change. A ceremonial unveiling, likely attended by national leaders and the Odinga family, is expected to mark the official transition.
