Vihiga assembly resolves to rename stadium after Budamba Mudavadi

The Vihiga County Assembly in session/IMAGE /HILTON OTENYO

The Vihiga County Assembly has approved a motion to rename the upcoming Kidundu Stadium in Majengo after former Cabinet minister Substone Budamba Mudavadi.

 Budamba was the father of Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and served as a Cabinet minister during retired President Daniel Moi’s regime.

 The motion was moved by Deputy Speaker Eric Odei and seconded by MCA Vincent Athiaya (Wodanga), in line with Article 186(1), read together with the Fourth Schedule (Part Two) of the Constitution of Kenya 2010.

 Moving the motion, Odei highlighted the distinguished contribution of Budamba, noting his role in championing the creation of the former Vihiga District, now Vihiga County, and his service as MP for Vihiga and Sabatia constituencies.

 He further said the Budamba served in various ministerial positions, through which he made significant contributions to public service and development, particularly in the Western Kenya region.

 He emphasised that naming the stadium after him would serve as a lasting tribute to his legacy and service to the people.

 Athiaya called for similar recognition of local heroes through the naming of key infrastructure, such as roads and stadiums, including Mumboha and Hamisi stadiums, to preserve heritage and memory.

 MCA Nkurumah Abudiku (Liaduywa), supporting the motion, said Budamba should be remembered for his leadership, mentorship and contribution to social and economic development.

 He added that the renaming would be a fitting honour to the late statesman and his family, led by Mudavadi.

 The assembly noted that the decision will be forwarded to the county executive for public participation before final implementation.

 Mudavadi visited the 10,000-seater stadium on May 1 and announced that the facility will be completed by April next year, expressing satisfaction with the progress of construction works.

 The stadium, estimated to cost Sh900,000, is one of the flagship projects of the Kenya Kwanza government in Vihiga County.

 It will serve a region known for producing some of Kenya’s finest footballers who have placed the country on the continental football map, including the late soccer legend Francis Kadenge.