President Ruto heeds call to name Talanta Stadium after Raila Odinga

Sakaja had earlier set the stage at Nyayo Stadium when he publicly urged the Head of State to christen the new facility Raila Odinga International Stadium, describing it as a fitting tribute to the statesman’s long-standing contributions to Kenya’s political and democratic evolution.

Responding to the appeal during his national address at the 62nd Jamhuri Day celebrations, President Ruto acknowledged the Governor’s request and assured Kenyans that the proposal would be honoured once the stadium is complete.

“Tunakamilisha ile kiwanja ya Talanta Stadium pale Jamhuri,” the President said. “Nimesikia yale Governor wa Nairobi amesema, ya kwamba ile uwanja wa Talanta ipatiwe jina gani? Raila Amolo Odinga International Stadium? Nimewasikiza. Na tukikamilisha tutafanya hivyo.”

The President’s remarks were met with loud applause and cheers from thousands of Kenyans at the stadium.

The 60,000-capacity Talanta Stadium, currently in its final phase of construction, is one of the flagship sporting facilities under development in Nairobi. The project is scheduled for completion by March 2026.