President William Ruto has ceded to demands from across the political divide and approved renaming Nairobi’s Talanta Stadium in honour of the late Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga.

Ruto made the announcement on Friday, December 12, 2025, moments after Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja implored him to consider renaming the modern sporting facility in honour of the former leader, who passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, while in India.

I have heard

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.

Sakaja, in his Jamhuri Day speech, pleaded with President William Ruto to rename the newly built Talanta Stadium to Raila Odinga International Stadium, stating:

“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.

With over 50 per cent of the work now complete, the 60,000-seat facility along Ngong Road is slated for completion in 2026 and is expected to join the list of existing venues in hosting upcoming sporting events.

The multimillion-dollar sporting infrastructure was initiated by Ruto as part of his plans to make Kenya a continental sports powerhouse. The venue is expected to make its official bow in 2027, as Kenya hosts the historical Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) alongside Uganda and Tanzania.

Similar sentiments to rename the stadium had also been made by Nandi Senator Sam Son Cherargei and Homa Bay Town MP Peter Opondo Kaluma.