The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has warmly welcomed President William Ruto’s announcement that Talanta Stadium will be renamed Raila Odinga Stadium in honour of the late former Prime Minister and ODM Party Leader Raila Amolo Odinga.

The declaration was made during the Jamhuri Day celebrations on Friday, December 12, 2025, during Jamhuri Day Celebrations at the Nyayo National Stadium, marking a historic gesture that ODM describes as both humbling and deeply meaningful.

Sakaja’s plea to Ruto

Speaking at the event, Nairobi City County Governor Johnson Sakaja asked President William Ruto to issue executive orders in renaming the new sports facility under construction after the late former prime minister upon completion in 2026.

“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 pleaded with Ruto, who later heeded the call.

In a quick response issued by the ODM National Chairperson and Homa Bay County Governor, Gladys Wanga, the decision responds to a heartfelt appeal the party made during Raila Odinga’s burial ceremony in Bondo, where they urged the nation to find a lasting way of preserving his towering legacy.

”The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) warmly welcomes and appreciates the announcement made today by H.E. President William Samoei Ruto during the Jamhuri Day celebrations, directing that Talanta Stadium be renamed Raila Amolo Odinga Stadium in honour of our departed Party Leader and former Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, CGH,” the statement read in part.

ODM noted that Raila Odinga’s life was defined by sacrifice, courage, and unwavering commitment to justice, democracy, and national unity. Renaming the stadium, the party said, is a symbolic recognition of the monumental role he played in expanding democratic space, safeguarding constitutionalism, and defending the rights and dignity of all Kenyans.

Commitment to national cohesion

According to ODM, by honouring Raila’s legacy, President Ruto has demonstrated, the party says, a spirit of patriotism and commitment to national cohesion. ODM expressed profound gratitude for what it views as a significant national step toward healing, unity, and mutual respect, values that the late Odinga championed throughout his life.

”This gesture follows a humble and heartfelt appeal we made during the burial ceremony of the late Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga in Bondo, where we requested that the nation find a lasting way to honour the legacy of a man whose life was defined by sacrifice, courage, and an unyielding commitment to justice, democracy, and the unity of our nation,” ODM added.

”By heeding this request, the President has acted in the spirit of patriotism and national cohesion. Renaming the stadium after Rt. Hon. Odinga is a symbolic action in recognising the monumental contribution he made to expanding democratic space, safeguarding constitutionalism, and championing the rights and dignity of all Kenyans,” the statement continued.

The party further reaffirmed its commitment to carry forward the ideals Raila stood for: a more inclusive, just, and prosperous Kenya anchored on service, integrity, and an unwavering pursuit of a better future for all citizens.

ODM concluded its statement with a call for the gesture to inspire the country to rise above partisanship and embrace unity as the bedrock of true national progress.