The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has welcomed President William Ruto’s move to approve the renaming of Talanta Stadium after the late Raila Odinga.
In a statement on Friday, December 12, ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga commended President Ruto for agreeing to have the 60,000 capacity ultra-modern stadium renamed Raila Odinga International Stadium.
“ODM warmly welcomes and appreciates the announcement made today by H.E. President William Samoei Ruto during the Jamhuri Day celebrations, directing that Talanta Stadium be renamed Raila Amolo Odinga Stadium in honour of our departed Party Leader and former Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, CGH,” said Wanga.
The Homa Bay Governor noted that the gesture follows a heartfelt appeal the party made during the burial ceremony of the late Raila in Bondo.
Governor Wanga said President Ruto acted in the spirit of patriotism by agreeing to name the stadium after the former Prime Minister.
“By heeding this request, the President has acted in the spirit of patriotism and national cohesion. Renaming the stadium after Rt. Hon. Odinga is a symbolic action in recognising the monumental contribution he made to expanding democratic space, safeguarding constitutionalism, and championing the rights and dignity of all Kenyans,” Wanga added.
President Ruto, on Friday, during the Jamhuri Day celebrations, promised to rename the stadium after the former Prime Minister once it is completed.
“I have heard what the Governor of Nairobi has said, that the Talanta Stadium should be given what name? Raila Amolo Odinga International Stadium? I have listened to you. And once we complete it, we shall do that,” said Ruto.
This is after Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja requested President Ruto to consider renaming the stadium after Raila in his honour.
“Next year, this celebration will take place at the new Talanta Stadium along Ngong Road. As the people of Nairobi, we request the President to name the stadium ‘Raila Odinga International Stadium’ to honor our departed father,” Sakaja stated.
