Talanta Sports City Stadium/FILENairobi City County Assembly Majority Leader Peter Imwatok has applauded President William Ruto for agreeing to rename Talanta Stadium to Raila Odinga Stadium.
Speaking to journalists, Imwatok who was among the first leaders to publicly request the renaming, reflected on the lobbying efforts he undertook, including consultations with top officials of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to push the proposal.
“I’m very happy with President William Ruto. I remember when Raila Odinga passed on, I was passing through Ngong and saw Talanta Stadium. One thing came into my mind and I said, why can’t the President name this wonderful facility after Raila Odinga? The President has today listened to that prayer, and we thank him for that,” Imwatok said.
He particularly recognised Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, praising her for amplifying the call during Raila’s burial ceremonies, an intervention he believes significantly propelled the idea forward.
“Just a day to the burial, we had a chat with Governor Wanga and I asked her to tell the President to rename Talanta Stadium after Raila Odinga. Indeed, Wanga promised me, and without hesitation, she passed the message before the whole world. I must appreciate this gesture from the President because he has elevated Raila’s status with greatness for generations to come,” he added.
Governor Johnson Sakaja echoed similar sentiments today before Ruto formally endorsed the renaming.
While outlining the government’s plan to modernise key sports venues, Ruto paused to ask the crowd which name they preferred for the new stadium. The response was swift and unanimous: “Raila Odinga!”
The President then confirmed that the government would support the renaming once the facility’s construction is complete.
“I have heard you,” he said, noting that the change will be effected after final touches on the stadium, which is expected to be completed in March 2026.
Talanta Sports City Stadium, is a major new sports venue under construction in Nairobi, Kenya. It is being built along Ngong Road at Jamhuri Grounds with a planned capacity of about 60,000 spectators, making it one of the largest stadiums in the country.
The facility is designed mainly for football and rugby, without an athletics track inside the arena, and will host matches for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which Kenya is co-hosting.
Construction began in March 2024 and is progressing rapidly, with completion expected around late 2025 or early 2026.
The project reflects a significant investment in Kenya’s sports infrastructure and aims to boost Nairobi’s role as an international sporting hub
