Kalonzo proposes renaming Ithookwe stadium to Raila Odinga

The Wiper leader noted that Raila had always been passionate about sports, particularly football, where he actively supported the growth of youth talent.
He recalled moments they shared around soccer, noting that both were ardent Arsenal supporters.

Title: Kalonzo proposes renaming Ithookwe stadium to Raila Odinga

Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka has called for the newly renovated Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui to be renamed in honour of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga.

Kalonzo made the remarks on Thursday during a visit to Opoda Farm in Bondo, where he joined other leaders and family members in paying tribute to Raila’s legacy.

Speaking during the event on Thursday, Kalonzo urged the Kitui County Assembly to move with speed and table a motion to formally rename the facility to Raila Amollo Odinga Stadium.

He said such a gesture would be a fitting tribute to Raila's long-standing commitment to national unity, democracy, and the development of sports in the country.

“Kitui County Assembly, I want you to move a motion expeditiously to name the newly renovated Ithookwe Stadium Raila Amolo Odinga stadium,” Kalonzo said, emphasising that honouring Raila through public infrastructure would keep his legacy alive for future generations.

The Wiper leader noted that Raila had always been passionate about sports, particularly football, where he actively supported the growth of youth talent.

He recalled moments they shared around soccer, noting that both were ardent Arsenal supporters.

In a light moment, Kalonzo quipped that while he considered himself the better player, Raila was undoubtedly the more charismatic commentator.

“I was a better player than Raila in soccer, but he was a better commentator. And both of us were Arsenal,” Kalonzo said, reflecting warmly on their shared fondness for the game.

He further expressed support for the proposal earlier fronted by Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga to rename the upcoming Talanta Stadium project in Nairobi in honour of the late former Prime Minister.

Kalonzo said the moves reflect widespread appreciation for Odinga’s decades of political leadership and his role in promoting inclusivity and national dialogue.

“I heard Governor Wanga during Raila’s burial talking about Talanta Stadium, and I want to support that strongly,” he added.

His remarks echoed sentiments from several other leaders, including Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, who have also supported commemorating Raila through public spaces, monuments, and national programs.

If adopted, the renaming of Ithookwe Stadium would mark one of the most prominent public tributes to Raila in the Eastern region, particularly in Kitui, where Kalonzo enjoys significant political support.

The wiper leader honoured his longtime political ally in a deeply symbolic traditional gesture by delivering dozens of cattle to his Opoda Farm home in Bondo, Siaya county.

Reports indicated that Kalonzo brought with him about 100 cattle, a grand show of respect that underscored the depth of his admiration for the former Prime Minister.