- Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga praised President William Ruto after agreeing to name the new Talanta Stadium in honor of the late Raila Odinga
- Wanga said the act united the nation and comforted Raila’s supporters, calling it a fitting tribute to his long political journey
- Several leaders, including MPs and governors, supported Wanga’s earlier request made during Raila’s funeral in Bondo
- Ruto confirmed that the stadium would bear Raila’s name, prompting many people to applaud at Nyayo Stadium during the Republic Day celebrations.
Governor of Hmá Bay Gladys Wanga has congratulated President William Ruto for agreeing to name the new Talanta Stadium after the late Prime Minister Ráila Odinga.
Source: Facebook
Ruto’s gesture, announced during the 62nd Republic Day celebrations, marks one of the most important tributes to Raila’s legacy since his death.
Wanga said the decision was a moment of national unity and gratitude, noting that the honor deserved Raila’s long political journey and his contribution to Kenya’s democracy.
“Thank you Mr. President,” he wrote on his Facebook page shortly after the president approved the request.
He said the recent announcement by the president would bring comfort to Raila’s supporters and family, and serve as a powerful reminder of his contribution to national dialogue, reform, and unity.
The county boss first made the request on October 19 during Raila’s birthday there Bondowhere he urged the president to make the ODM leader unique by naming the famous station after him. At that time, the head of state did not respond to the appeal publicly.
Who pushed to call Talanta Stadium after Raila
In the following week, several political leaders added to Wanga’s call and supported the county head’s proposal.
Among those who joined the lobbying effort was Lang’ata Member of Parliament Phelix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o, who said the gesture would mark national honor for Raila’s decades of public service.
The movement increased even more when the governor of Nairobi Johnson when he repeated the suggestion.
Source: Twitter
During his birthday speech at the Republic celebrations, Sakaja asked MPs to consider renaming the stadium after Raila, calling it a fitting national honour.
When he stood to address the nation at the same event, Ruto publicly accepted the request, announcing that once completed, the modern stadium, one of the flagship features under the Talanta Hela initiative, would bear Raila’s name.
“We are completing the grounds of the Talanta Stadium in Jamhuri. I have heard what the Governor of Nairobi said about what name should be given to the Talanta Stadium. You are asking what name should be given? You said it should be called the Raila Amollo Odinga International Stadium. I have heard you, and as soon as we complete the process, we will do just that,” the president said.
The announcement drew applause from the crowd at Nyayo Stadium, with many seeing it as a rare moment to acknowledge Raila’s influence in shaping Kenya’s political landscape.
George Herman:
“It seems that Raila is the only person who will not be easily forgotten in this country. It has been about 2 months since he died but apart from his name appearing in public speeches, he is still being given more respect and recognition.”
Joseph Mitito:
“Thank ME for seeing this before us. Father is honored!”
Dan Okandah:
“Happy Republic Day! Today, we celebrate the spirit of freedom, unity, and resilience that defines Kenya, honor our founding fathers and renew our commitment to building a prosperous nation for all Kenyans.”
How was Raila respected in his life
Before his death, Raila had already received great acclaim when Mbagathi Road in Nairobi was renamed after him.
Governor Wanga also called the Homa Bay soccer center the Stadium of Raila Odinga.
Wanga said that it is important for future generations to recognize the leaders who shaped Kenya’s history.
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