NAIROBI, Kenya — Nyayo National Stadium erupted in prolonged cheers on Friday as Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja proposed that the new Talanta Stadium on Ngong Road be officially renamed the Raila Odinga International Stadium upon its completion.
In his address during the 62nd Jamhuri Day celebrations, attended by thousands of Kenyans and international dignitaries, Sakaja presented the gesture as a fitting tribute to the late former Prime Minister, intended to 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 stated.
He then turned to President William Ruto and added, “I don’t know if you will allow us as Nairobians for the facility to be renamed Raila Odinga International Stadium.”
The massive crowd responded with wild cheers and enthusiastic hand gestures at the mention of the name, confirming the overwhelming public support for the proposal.
President Ruto acknowledges public support
Closing his speech, President William Ruto directly acknowledged the public’s passionate endorsement of the renaming proposal.
“Nimewasikiliza na tukikamilisha tutafanya hivyo (I have heard you, and when we complete, we will do that),” President Ruto stated, signalling official approval for the plan.
Earlier in the ceremony, the President had led the country in observing a one-minute silence in remembrance of the former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga who died on October 15 of cardiac arrest while undergoing treatment in India.
“Raila devoted his life to the pursuit of freedom, justice and peaceful co-existence. His courage, resilience and unwavering belief shaped defining chapters of our national story and inspired generations to believe that change is possible,” the President said.
A legacy of democracy and justice
Raila Odinga’s passing left behind a political legacy that spanned more than four decades. Leaders from across the world described him as a towering statesman, a champion of democracy and justice, a fearless freedom fighter, and a unifying force in Kenyan politics.
Also Read: Dynasty or Destiny? Inside Winnie Odinga’s battle for Raila’s legacy
Tributes from figures including President Ruto, former US President Barack Obama, Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, and former President Uhuru Kenyatta highlighted his crucial role in Kenya’s second liberation, his commitment to pan-Africanism, and his ability to rise above political divides for the sake of the country.
Talanta Stadium: A world-class venue
The facility in question, also known as Talanta Sports City, is located at the Jamhuri Grounds along Ngong Road. The modern, football-specific stadium is a crucial piece of national infrastructure designed to meet world-class standards.
The Ksh 45 billion facility is one of the main venues designated for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), scheduled to be held between June 19 and July 18, 2027.
Construction is currently reported to be 70 per cent complete, with full completion expected by March 2026, ensuring timely readiness for the major continental tournament.
The pitch and exterior structures are rapidly taking shape, with supporting infrastructure also nearing completion.
This year’s Jamhuri Day was themed “Promoting Tourism, Wildlife Conservation, and The Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) Industry.”
