Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has welcomed the proposal of renaming the under-construction Talanta Stadium along Ngon Road in Nairobi after the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Sakaja’s plea to Ruto

Speaking at the 62nd Jamhuri Day celebrations on Friday, December 12, 2025, at Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi City County Governor Johnson Sakaja asked President William Ruto to issue executive orders in renaming the new sports facility after the late former prime minister.

“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.

Shortly after Governor Skaja’s imploration, President Ruto heeded the call. Ruto, in his response, stated that he had considered the entreaties, affirming that the stadium will be renamed upon its completion.

“Nimewasikiza kuwa mnataka io uwanja ipatiwe jina ya Raila Amollo Odinga International Stadium; tukikamilisha, tutafanya hivyo,” he stated.

Responding to the Talanta Stadium renaming approval, Passaris said the idea is a perfect gesture acknowledging a man whose courage, resilience, and vision helped shape Kenya’s democratic reform journey and the foundations of devolution.

Passaris welcomes renaming move

”Naming the Talanta Stadium after Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga is a powerful acknowledgement of a man whose courage, resilience, and vision helped shape Kenya’s democratic reform journey and the foundations of devolution,” Esther Passaris said via her X account on Friday, December 12, 2025.

”Nations honour those who have carried them forward. From major airports to avenues and national landmarks, our public spaces reflect the giants who shaped different chapters of our history, from independence to reform and nation-building. I thank President William Ruto for this historic decision. Raila Odinga’s contribution to Kenya’s reform journey and nation-building deserves to be etched in our history today and for generations to come.” Passaris added.

At the same time, President Ruto pledged to install a canopy at Nyayo National Stadium starting in January 2026. President Ruto said the upgrade follows the successful installation of a similar structure at Kasarani Stadium earlier in the year in readiness to host the 2024 African Nations Championship.