President William Ruto has approved the renaming of the Talanta Stadium, upon completion, to the Raila Odinga International Stadium in honour of the late former prime minister.
The calls to rename the stadium had intensified during the 62nd Jamhuri Day celebrations at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, where the matter was publicly raised before President Ruto.
Nyayo National Stadium erupted into prolonged cheers on Friday after Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja proposed that the new Talanta Stadium on Ngong Road be renamed Raila Odinga International Stadium upon completion.
In his address during the 62nd Jamhuri Day celebrations attended by thousands of Kenyans as well as local and international dignitaries, Sakaja said the gesture would be a fitting honour to the former Prime Minister and would help keep his memory alive.
We know that next year, Jamhuri celebrations will be held at the new Talanta Stadium that is still under construction,” Sakaja said.
Turning to President William Ruto, he added, “I don’t know if you will allow us as Nairobians for the facility to be renamed Raila Odinga International Stadium.”
Responding to Sakaja’s request, President Ruto, while outlining plans to modernise stadiums, including Nyayo Stadium, promised that the government will approve the renaming of Talanta Stadium to Raila Odinga International Stadium.
“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 the crowd to shout in unison, “Raila Odinga!”
