TANDAO MEDIA.

President William Ruto has pledged to rename the under-construction Talanta Stadium in honour of opposition leader Raila Odinga, following a heartfelt public appeal by Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja during Kenya’s 62nd Jamhuri Day celebrations.

Speaking at Nyayo Stadium on Thursday, Governor Sakaja urged the Head of State to consider naming the new 60,000-seater facility the Raila Amolo Odinga International Stadium, citing Odinga’s enduring legacy in shaping Kenya’s democratic and political landscape.“Raila Odinga has made immense contributions to this country,” Sakaja said. “It would be a fitting tribute to name this stadium after him.”

In his national address later in the day, President Ruto acknowledged the governor’s request and confirmed that the proposal would be implemented once the stadium is completed.“We are finalizing the construction of Talanta Stadium at Jamhuri,” Ruto said in Kiswahili. “I have heard what the Nairobi Governor has proposed — that the stadium be named Raila Amolo Odinga International Stadium. I have listened, and once it is complete, we shall do so.”The President’s announcement was met with thunderous applause from thousands of Kenyans gathered at the venue, signaling broad public support for the gesture.

Talanta Stadium, a key component of the government’s sports infrastructure agenda, is in its final phase of development and is expected to be completed by March 2026. Once finished, it will serve as a premier venue for national and international sporting events in Nairobi.