Talanta Sports City Renamed Raila Odinga International Stadium

The soon-to-be-completed Talanta Sports City Stadium will be renamed Raila Odinga International Stadium in honour of the late Prime Ninister and formerKenyas record Kenyan Premier League champions Gor Mahia. President William 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. “Tunakamilisha ile kiwanja ya Talanta Stadium pale Jamhuri,” the president said. “Nimesikia yale Governor wa Nairobi amesema, ya kwamba ile uwanja wa Talanta ipatiwe jina gani? Raila Amolo Odinga International Stadium? Nimewasikiza. Na tukikamilisha tutafanya hivyo.” The President’s remarks were met with loud applause and cheers from thousands of Kenyans at the stadium. The 60,000-capacity Talanta Stadium, currently in its final phase of construction, is one of the flagship sporting facilities under development in Nairobi. The project is scheduled for completion by March 2026. Ruto gave the assurance, following an emotional appeal by Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja during this year’s Jamhuri Day celebrations. Sakaja had earlier set the stage at Nyayo Stadium when he publicly urged the Head of State to christen the new facility Raila Odinga International Stadium, describing it as a fitting tribute to the statesman’s long-standing contributions to Kenya’s political and democratic evolution. Responding to the appeal during his national address at the 62nd Jamhuri Day celebrations, President Ruto acknowledged the Governor’s request and assured Kenyans that the proposal would be honoured once the stadium is complete. Nyayo National Stadium erupted into prolonged cheers on Friday after Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja proposed that the new Talanta Stadium on Ngong Road be renamed Raila Odinga International Stadium upon completion. In his address during the 62nd Jamhuri Day celebrations attended by thousands of Kenyans as well as local and international dignitaries, Sakaja said the gesture would be a fitting honour to the former Prime Minister and would help keep his memory alive. "We know that next year, Jamhuri celebrations will be held at the new Talanta Stadium that is still under construction," Sakaja said. Turning to President William Ruto, he added, "I don't know if you will allow us as Nairobians for the facility to be renamed Raila Odinga International Stadium." The crowd erupted at the mention of Raila’s name, cheering wildly and making enthusiastic hand gestures as Sakaja repeatedly asked whether they supported the proposal. Raila died on October 15 of cardiac arrest while undergoing treatment in India, leaving behind a political legacy that spanned more than four decades. Leaders from Kenya and across the world described him as a towering statesman, a champion of democracy and justice, a fearless freedom fighter and a unifying force in Kenyan politics.