President William Ruto has approved the renaming of the Talanta Stadium, upon completion, to the Raila Odinga International Stadium in honour of the late former prime minister.
The calls to rename the stadium had intensified during the 62nd Jamhuri Day celebrations at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, where the matter was publicly raised before President Ruto.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja had used his address to urge the Head of State to consider the requests from Nairobi residents who want the upcoming arena to bear Raila’s name.
His remarks were met with loud approval from the crowd.
Responding to Sakaja’s request, President Ruto, while outlining plans to modernise stadiums, including Nyayo Stadium, promised that the government will approve the renaming of Talanta Stadium to Raila Odinga International Stadium.
“You know the good work that has been ongoing at Talanta Stadium, and having listened to the Nairobi Governor, that you people want Talanta to be renamed to which name?” Ruto asked, prompting the crowd to shout in unison, “Raila Odinga!”
He continued, “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.”
Renaming the Stadium
According to the law, the renaming of Talanta Stadium to Raila Odinga International Stadium begins with a formal proposal, same as the one initiated by Sakaja, who publicly urged President Ruto to approve the change.
The request will then be reviewed by the relevant government ministries, including Sports, Lands, and Public Works, before being submitted to the Cabinet and or the President for final approval.
Once the proposal receives presidential backing, public consultations and stakeholder engagement will be conducted to gauge support and address any concerns.
Legal compliance checks will ensure that the renaming aligns with existing laws governing public assets, heritage sites, and national monuments, while reviewing contracts and project documents to avoid potential conflicts.
Following approval and legal clearance, the renaming will be formalised through a gazette notice, giving it official recognition.
Implementation will include updating stadium signage, maps, tickets, and digital records, and may be capped with a ceremonial unveiling attended by the President and key stakeholders to officially inaugurate the newly named Raila Odinga International Stadium.
