President Agrees to Rename Talanta to Raila Odinga Stadium Following Sakaja’s Request
President William Ruto has accepted a high-profile request to rename the soon-to-be-completed Talanta Stadium.
Speaking at the 62nd Jamhuri Day celebrations, the President confirmed the venue would be named after the late former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga.
The announcement formalises a tribute following Mr Odinga’s passing in October 2025.
The Nairobi Request
The request was formally presented to the Head of State during the national celebrations held at Nyayo National Stadium. Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja publicly asked President Ruto to rename the venue.
Governor Sakaja proposed that the facility be officially named the Raila Odinga International Stadium. He presented the petition as a request coming directly from the people of Nairobi.
The Governor’s remarks were delivered in Swahili and met with cheers and applause from some audience members.
“We ask our beloved President William Samoei Arap Ruto… and as people of Nairobi, we ask you to name it Raila Odinga International Stadium.”
The Presidential Confirmation
President Ruto addressed the crowd, confirming that he had listened to the appeal regarding the new stadium. He specifically acknowledged the suggested name: Raila Amolo Odinga International Stadium.
The President committed to carrying out the renaming upon the facility’s completion.
“I have listened to you, and when we complete it, we shall do so.”
The President was clear that the significant construction work at the stadium, located in Jamhuri, was evident.
Building Kenya’s Sports Future
Talanta Stadium is currently a major government project under construction in Nairobi.
It is being built with the intention of becoming a world-class venue. The venue is designed to host major sports tournaments and large public events.
This facility is a central part of a broader government effort. That effort aims to upgrade Kenya’s national sporting infrastructure.
Improving these facilities is often tied to securing bids to host major continental and international tournaments. Naming public infrastructure after prominent national leaders is a recognised practice in Kenya.
Additional Proposals
The push to honour Mr Odinga through the stadium name began earlier. Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga had previously appealed to President Ruto to rename the 60,000-seater facility.
Governor Wanga proposed the renaming as a tribute to Mr Odinga’s significant contributions to the nation and sports development.
She had also suggested hosting a memorial football match at the stadium. This match would involve Mr Odinga’s favourite club, Arsenal, playing against the Kenyan national team, Harambee Stars.
Governor Sakaja also made a second major proposal to the President concerning the venue. He requested that the 63rd Jamhuri Day celebrations in 2026 be hosted at the new stadium.
This step would serve as a major unveiling, confirming the facility’s completion and readiness for use.
“We ask that next year this celebration should take place in Talanta Stadium.”
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