President William Ruto has approved renaming the Talanta Stadium to Raila Odinga International Stadium in honor of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. The request was made by Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja during the 62nd Jamhuri Day celebrations at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi. The crowd cheered enthusiastically in support.
During the 62nd Jamhuri Day celebrations on December 12, 2025, at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja urged President William Ruto to rename the under-construction Talanta Stadium in honor of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. Sakaja stated, “We know that beginning next year, this exercise will be held at Talanta Stadium here in Nairobi. On behalf of the people of Nairobi, we ask you to agree to rename the stadium as Raila Amolo Odinga International Stadium, in solidarity with our father who led us.”
His remarks were met with loud cheers from the crowd, who stood and chanted in unison, including “The voice of the people is the voice of God.” This was the first Jamhuri Day without Raila Odinga, adding emotional weight to the call.
In response, President Ruto asked the crowd for the suggested name, and they shouted “Raila Odinga!” He affirmed, “You have said that we should rename it to Raila Amolo Odinga International Stadium. I have heard you, and as soon as we are done, we will do that.” This confirmed the approval of the request.
The Talanta Stadium will seat 60,000 and is expected to be completed by March 2026. It forms part of a complex including a 2,000-capacity mini-stadium and an eight-lane running track. The renaming process will involve a formal proposal, reviews by relevant ministries, public consultations, and official gazette notification.
The decision highlights political reconciliation and tribute to past leaders, though no immediate details were provided on economic or sporting impacts.
