Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has singled out Tom Mboya and Raila Odinga for their influential legacies across the political landscape and their respective service to the nation

Speaking on Friday, December 12, 2025, during the 62^nd edition of the Jamhuri Day Celebrations at the Nyayo National Stadium, Sakaja pleaded with President William Ruto to rename the newly built Talanta Stadium to Raila Odinga International Stadium.

Rename Talanta Stadium

“We know that next year this event will be commemorated in Talanta Stadium, and we ask that you rename that stadium after Raila Odinga in honour of the departed leader who just left us,” Skaja stated in his plea to Ruto.

He underscored that Raila devoted his life to serving the nation and its people and therefore fittingly deserved the recognition as a tribute to his undying legacy.

“Mboya stood firm in his convictions even when he was unpopular and when he came under criticism. As a person in the public service, I dare set the bar too high,” he posited.

In a personal tribute to Raila, Sakaja conveyed his condolences to the fallen Orange Democratic Movement supremo.

Tributes Raila

“Baba Amollo Odinga was the longest-serving MP, and on this first Jamhuri Day celebration without him, we pray that God continues to rest him in peace,” he said in his tribute.

Sakaja’s plea follows after several leaders from across the political aisle made similar requests in honour of the late leader.

Speaking on during Raila’s burial at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) on Sunday, October 19, Wanga described the 60,000-seater stadium as a magnificent project that should carry Raila’s name in honour of his legacy.

“Your Excellency, we only ask you for one more honour,” she said. “Ile stadium yetu ambayo inakuja kubwa sana 60,000 capacity. Tunaiita kwa kizungu Magnificent. Tunaomba kama chama, iyo ikue na jina, Raila Odinga, Talanta, Stadium, Nairobi.” Wanga, whose Homa Bay County is home to a similar facility named after Raila, appealled.

Similar remarks have also been made by Nandi Senator Sam Son Cherargei and Homa Bay Town MP Peter Opondo Kaluma.