NAIROBI, Kenya – The upcoming Talanta Stadium will be renamed Raila Amollo Odinga International Stadium upon completion, President William Ruto has announced.
The head of state made the announcement when he led the nation in marking the 62nd Jamhuri Day national celebrations at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.
This was after Nairobi City County Governor Johnson Sakaja appealed to President Ruto to consider renaming the sports facility in honour of the late Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who died in October 2025 while undergoing treatment in a medical facility in Southern India.
“You have asked me to consider renaming Talanta Stadium to Raila Amollo Odinga International Stadium, right? I have heard you, and we shall do exactly that upon completion,” President Ruto declared amid applause from the excited crowd.
The government declared significant advancements in Talanta Sports City Stadium construction in November 2025, stating that the project is now 66% finished and scheduled for full operationalisation by February of the following year.
Senior state authorities, led by Cabinet Secretary for Sports Salim Mvurya, expressed their satisfaction with the pace and calibre of development following an inspection trip of the facility.
“A quick inspection visit to the Talanta Sports City Stadium has just ended. We are currently at 66% overall, and we are making strong progress towards meeting all deadlines,” said CS Mvurya.
What should Kenyans expect this December
PS Defence Patrick Mariru, PS Sports Elijah Mwangi, the Chair of Sports Kenya, the project contractor, and top representatives from the Ministries of Defence and Sports were with CS Mvurya.
By the end of December this year, the stadium’s external construction and physical infrastructure should be finished, according to the CS.
“The physical infrastructure and external works will be completed by the end of December,” he stated, noting that other ministries and organisations are in charge of several auxiliary projects like power, water, and road connections.
A new power substation, continuous improvements to the water system, and a safe rail connection between Talanta City and Bomas are all part of the project. Procurement is almost finished, and road designs have been surveyed.
When did Raila Amollo Odinga pass away
The majority of the goods that a team recently flew to China to inspect have arrived, with the remainder being dispatched.
Kasarani will only have two training grounds; the Talanta Sports City will have three.
Raila passed away at Devamatha Hospital, located in Kerala, southern India.
The hospital confirmed his death on October 15, 2025. He was reportedly taken to the hospital after collapsing during a morning walk.
Devamatha Hospital is situated approximately 50 kilometers east of Kochi.
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