Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has called for the under-construction Talanta Stadium in Nairobi to be renamed the “Raila Odinga Talanta Stadium” in tribute to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

The proposal, shared on social media on October 24, 2025, coincides with the conclusion of the national mourning period for Odinga, who passed away on October 15, 2025, in India. Cherargei emphasised Odinga’s enduring contributions to democracy, human rights, devolution, and his passion for sports.

Honouring Raila’s legacy

Cherargei’s suggestion aligns with ongoing tributes to the former leader, highlighting his influence on Kenya’s political and social development.

He stressed the importance of memorialising Odinga through national infrastructure projects, linking the stadium’s naming to the broader goal of inspiring young athletes and promoting sports development.

“Even as the National mourning period of the late Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga comes to an end, we should name Talanta Stadium as Raila Odinga Talanta Stadium in honour of his celebrated legacy of democracy, rule of law, human rights, devolution and his love for sports. The future of sports, especially for our youth, looks secured under President Ruto’s administration because of the modernisation of sports facilities across the country. Well done, President Ruto administration, and now we are almost ready for AFCON 2027,” Cherargei X post.

The senator also commended ongoing efforts to modernise sports facilities across the country, citing the government’s preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania.

The stadium’s naming proposal follows a similar appeal from Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga during Odinga’s burial at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology. Wanga had urged the President to name the 60,000-seater facility after Odinga, describing it as a “magnificent” project that should reflect his legacy. She also suggested hosting a memorial sports event to honour Odinga’s contribution to sports and community engagement.

Looking ahead

The stadium naming proposal has reignited public discourse on how Kenya honours its late leaders and the role of infrastructure in preserving national memory. With Talanta Stadium nearing completion, the suggestion to link its identity to Odinga reflects a wider push to celebrate his legacy in both political and social spheres.

The project also underscores the government’s ongoing investment in sports infrastructure, aiming to provide modern facilities for youth engagement and national events.