Homa Bay County Multi-Purpose Stadium was, on Friday, June 23, renamed to Raila Odinga Homa Bay Stadium.
A source close the Homa Bay County Governor Gladys Wanga confirmed that the stadium was named in honour of the former Prime Minister's struggle for multi-party democracy in Kenya.
Raila is expected to officially launch the stadium in the first week of July 2023.
"Immediately after its launch, members of the public will be allowed to access and use it for various reasons," the source explained.
Other county leaders will also attend the launch ceremony, including area Members of Parliament and former Governor Cyprian Awiti.
"Raila is a native of Nyanza is also a close confidant of Governor Gladys Wanga, and the naming of the stadium is largely seen as an expression of gratitude," the source stated.
"The renaming of the stadium is seen as a gesture of respect for Odinga's contribution to the development of Homa Bay County and Kenyan football. It is also seen as a way to boost the profile of the stadium and attract more international matches to the region," the source close to Governor Wanga disclosed.
Homa Bay County built the 10,000 people capacity stadium between 2013 and 2023 but faced a raft of legal and financial challenges.
Located in the heart of Homa Bay town, close to the Lake Victoria waterfront, the stadium has a natural grass pitch and a running track.
It also comprises a VIP section, a press box, and changing rooms for both teams.
Its launch will coincide with the third Luo Nation Cultural Extravaganza that will be held between June 30 and July 1, 2023.
"It is an event that is aimed at bringing together the Luo Community through a convergence of various stakeholders within the community, to reignite in members of the community, a spirit of resourcefulness, productivity, and togetherness, in the wake of the challenging socio-economic and political circumstances bedevilling the Nation and world at the moment.
"The extravaganza, as will be communicated to you regularly moving forward, will involve prayers, a cultural exhibition of traditional artifacts, foods and medicine, sports, and tourism among others," Homa Bay County stated.
