- During the Republic 2025 celebrations, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja asked President William Ruto to change the name of Talanta Stadium to the late Raila Odinga.
- The President accepted the request and emphasized that the stadium will be given the new name early in 2026 after the official completion
- Ruto sparked a debate among Kenyans after he shared a video showing the scene of the construction of the stadium and was proud of the success of the project
President William Ruto has created mixed feelings after a short video showing him proud of the progress of the Talanta Stadium construction went viral.
Source: Facebook
During the 62nd Republic celebrations, Ruto accepted the proposal to change the name of Talanta Stadium, which is nearing completion, to Raila Amolo Odinga International Stadium in honor of the deceased opposition leader.
The decision followed an emotional appeal from the Nairobi Governor Johnsonwho encouraged the President to honor Raila’s legacy through the modern project with the capacity to seat 60,000 people.
Ruto confirmed that the official name change will take place after the completion of the stadium in early 2026, with many waiting to see if he will fulfill his promise.
What did William Ruto say about Talent Stadium?
In a video he shared on his social networks, the president was seen filming himself while construction continued behind him.
He also showed a 360-degree image to show the development of the stadium, which many hope will spark a revolution in the sports industry.
Dressed in a beige collared T-shirt and a black cap, Ruto looked happy as he laughed at the end to mock those who doubted the project.
“Gentlemen, they were busy sending suspicious tweets, and we trusted the process. Now see for yourself. Talanta Stadium is here. This is a big stadium, and you will love it,” he said.
Will Talent Stadium benefit the players?
Mezzo Meya, a Kenyan football player, told TUKO.co.ke about the benefits that the stadium can bring to sportsmen in the country who want to build a career in the sports sector.
“I think it is a good thing for Kenyan football, but the players must feel the benefits because they are the important ones,” he said.
Some comments from the internet:
@Karuri Fredrick said: “A man who works does not need to shout about his work; the work shows itself.”
@DM said: “Let’s just say the truth, without prejudice, Ruto has done better in three years than other presidents have done in 10 years. And I have not been paid by anyone.”
@Jj Bin Josh said: “On the other hand, it is only Kenya where the president takes a selfie for the people.”
@Keith Ndati said: “For all the existing stadiums, I have not seen the Head of State of Morocco praising himself in a single one.”
@Pamella said: “Congratulations, Mr. President.”
@Updull said: “I would like us to be extended more years after the five.”
@Fredrick Ouma said: “This is probably the best project in Kenya after the Nairobi Expressway. The difference is that this stadium will make Kenya more respectable and help develop the talents of millions.”
Source: Facebook
How much is the cost of building the Talent Stadium?
In another statement, Kiharu Member of Parliament Ndindi Nyoro claimed that the Talanta Stadium project could cost Kenyan taxpayers about KSh 145 billion due to the high interest loan system.
Speaking at a seminar in Mombasa, Nyoro claimed that the initial debt of KSh 45 billion could increase to KSh 100 billion in interest within 15 years, which would require a monthly payment of KSh 500 million from the Sports Fund.
He warned that such loans “off the official books” hide the true size of the national debt and advised the government to maintain financial transparency in large infrastructure projects.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
