President Ruto greenlights renaming of Talanta Sports City Stadium after Raila Odinga

President William Ruto has announced that the Talanta Sports City Stadium will be renamed to Raila Amollo Odinga International Stadium upon completion in honour of the former Kenyan Prime Minister.

Ruto has been under pressure from a section of Kenyans-and their leaders-to have the facility renamed after the former Gor Mahia patron who passed on on 15 October.

Odinga was an avid sports lover, supporting various disciplines but with a higher affinity to football, where he served for years as the patron of record 21-time FKF Premier League champions.

The Head of State was speaking at the Nyayo National Stadium on Friday, 12 December during the Jamhuri Day celebrations where Kenya was marking 62 years of independence.

“You have requested that we rename Talanta Stadium to Raila Amollo Odinga International Stadium and I have heard you. Once the facility is complete, we will do so,” said Ruto.

Before and during his speech, Ruto had once again been pressured by leaders and citizens after which he succumbed to their demands.

New completion date for Talanta Stadium announced as construction reaches 66% [VIDEO]

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja was the latest to add his voice on the matter during his speech in the event.

“Mr. President, we are requesting that in 2026, these celebrations he held at the Talanta Sports City Stadium and as the people of Nairobi, we are requesting that it be renamed to Raila Odinga Stadium,” said Sakaja much to the jubilation of the thousands of Kenyans who thronged Nyayo.

Talanta Stadium is a flagship project by the Government of Kenya (GoK), constructing an ultramodern 60,000-seater stadium along Ngong’ Road Nairobi in preparation for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), that Kenya will co-host alongside neighbours Uganda and Tanzania

A look at Talanta Stadium's special technology lighting up outer walls like Allianz Arena [VIDEO]

Upon completion, the facility is projected to cost $344.5 million (approximately Ksh44.7 billion).

The construction which is being undertaken by the renowned China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) is currently 68% complete, with the facility expected to be complete by March 2026.