Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has appealed to President William Ruto to name the upcoming Talanta Stadium in Nairobi after the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Speaking 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 went on to make a light-hearted appeal to the president, linking it to their shared love for Arsenal. She reminded the crowd that Raila was a lifelong Arsenal fan, just like Ruto, and suggested the club be invited to Kenya once the stadium is complete.

“Alafu, since wewe pia ni mtu ya Arsenal, next year, uki imaliza, baba alikuwa Arsenali, wewe ni Arsenali. Ulete Arsenal hapo, wacheze na Harambee Stars, the Raila Odinga Memorial Cup, next year. Na watu wa Man U wachipange, siku hiyo watafute ya shughuli ingine,” she said, drawing laughter from the crowd.

Ruto facilitated Raila’s treatment

Earlier, Raila’s elder brother, Oburu Oginga, revealed that President Ruto played a major role in facilitating the opposition leader’s trip to India for medical treatment.

Oburu said he approached the president when Raila’s health deteriorated, and Ruto immediately agreed to help. He organised the transport that flew Raila to India for specialised treatment.

“Who has stood with us right from the time I told him that Raila was sick? It was the president. He sat with us, listened, and made the arrangements himself,” Oburu said during his tribute.

He added that Ruto kept in touch throughout Raila’s treatment, regularly checking on his condition. On the day Raila passed away, Oburu said he called the president to inform him of the situation, and Ruto expressed deep sadness upon receiving the news.