Pressure is mounting on President William Ruto to rename the under-construction 60,000-seat Talanta Stadium in honour of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
The calls gained momentum during the 62nd Jamhuri Day celebrations at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, where the matter was publicly raised before the Head of State and other guests.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, when addressing, urged President Ruto to heed the appeals of Nairobi residents, who want the stadium to bear Raila’s name. His remarks were met with loud cheers and applause from the crowd, signaling strong public support.
“From next year, major national events will be held at Talanta Stadium here in Nairobi. On behalf of the people of Nairobi, we ask you to rename it Raila Amolo Odinga International Stadium, in honour of our father who led us,” Sakaja said, prompting jubilant chants and applause. He repeated the plea, asking the audience, “Are we in agreement, people of Nairobi?” The crowd responded with resounding support, chanting, “The voice of the people is the voice of God.”
The public’s call put President Ruto in a delicate position. He watched the enthusiastic crowd with a smile but did not respond immediately to the renaming request. Later, at the podium, the President again avoided directly addressing the proposal, instead calling on the crowd to observe a moment of silence for the veteran opposition leader.
As the stadium nears completion, Nairobians’ demand has turned into a high-profile public debate, leaving the President seemingly caught between popular sentiment and political prudence. Whether Ruto will accede to the calls remains a question many are watching closely. However, in his toady’s speech, he(Ruto) indicated his willingness to rename the stadium.
He assured city residents that this change of name will be effected once the ongoing constructions are completed.