Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has called for the renaming of Talanta Stadium in honour of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Speaking during Raila’s national funeral service at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) in Bondo, Siaya County, on Sunday, Wanga said the gesture would celebrate Raila’s love for football and his enduring legacy.
“Our President, we only ask one more thing from you… that magnificent 60,000-seater stadium… we ask that it be renamed Raila Odinga Talanta Stadium,” Wanga said.
She further urged President William Ruto to organise a friendly match between English Premier League side Arsenal and the national football team, Harambee Stars, once the stadium is completed.
“Since you are also an Arsenal fan, just like Baba was… once the stadium is complete next year, we ask you to invite Arsenal to come play a friendly against Harambee Stars as part of the Raila Odinga Memorial Cup. Manchester United fans will have to find something else to do on that day,” she quipped, drawing laughter from the crowd.
Talanta Stadium, currently under construction, is one of Kenya’s flagship sports infrastructure projects and is expected to be ready for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania.
The football-only stadium, designed to meet international standards, is located along Ngong Road within the Jamhuri Sports Grounds near the Telekom area. Key landmarks near the site include The Junction Mall, Kenya Science Teachers College, the RFUEA Grounds, and Ligi Ndogo.
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