Nairobi City County Assembly Majority Leader Peter Imwatok has applauded President William Ruto for agreeing to rename Talanta Stadium to Raila Odinga Stadium.
Speaking to journalists, Imwatok who was among the first leaders to publicly request the renaming, reflected on the lobbying efforts he undertook, including consultations with top officials of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to push the proposal.
“I’m very happy with President William Ruto. I remember when Raila Odinga passed on, I was passing through Ngong and saw Talanta Stadium. One thing came into my mind and I said, why can’t the President name this wonderful facility after Raila Odinga? The President has today listened to that prayer, and we thank him for that,” Imwatok said.
He particularly recognised Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, praising her for amplifying the call during Odinga’s burial ceremonies an intervention he believes significantly propelled the idea forward.
“Just a day to the burial, we had a chat with Governor Wanga and I asked her to tell the President to rename Talanta Stadium after Raila Odinga. Indeed, Wanga promised me, and without hesitation, she passed the message before the whole world. I must appreciate this gesture from the President because he has elevated Raila’s status with greatness for generations to come,” he added.
Governor Johnson Sakaja echoed similar sentiments today before President Ruto formally endorsed the renaming.
While outlining the government’s plan to modernise key sports venues, President Ruto paused to ask the crowd which name they preferred for the new stadium. The response was swift and unanimous: “Raila Odinga!”
The President then confirmed that the government would support the renaming once the facility’s construction is complete.
“I have heard you,” he said, noting that the change will be effected after final touches on the stadium, which is expected to be completed in March 2026.
The 60,000-seater arena is among Nairobi’s flagship sports projects and forms part of the government’s broader effort to overhaul the country’s sports infrastructure.
