Sakaja Leads Calls to Rename Talanta Stadium After Raila Odinga

Pressure is growing on the government to rename the under-construction 60,000-seat Talanta Stadium in honour of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

The calls intensified during the 62nd Jamhuri Day celebrations at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, where the matter was publicly raised before President William Ruto.

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja used his address to urge the Head of State to consider the requests from Nairobi residents who want the upcoming arena to bear Raila’s name. His remarks were met with loud approval from the crowd.

Sakaja told the gathering that from next year, major national events would be held at the Talanta Stadium, adding that Nairobians felt it was fitting to rename the facility Raila Amolo Odinga International Stadium, an appeal triggered jubilant cheers across Nyayo Stadium.

He then turned to the crowd to seek their endorsement, asking whether Nairobi residents supported the proposal. The audience responded with applause and chants, prompting him to repeat the plea before the President.

“We know that beginning next year, this exercise will be held at Talanta Stadium here in Nairobi. On behalf of the people of Nairobi, we ask you to agree to rename the stadium as Raila Amolo Odinga International Stadium, in solidarity with our father who led us,” Sakaja said, as the crows cheered in agreement.

“Are we in agreement, people of Nairobi?” Sakaja added, as the audience responded with applause and called on him to repeat the request to the President, who was seated and smiling. The crowd continued to chant, “The voice of the people is the voice of God,” in jubilant support.