Name Talanta Stadium After Raila Odinga, Invite Arsenal To Play Harambee Stars: Ruto Pleaded

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has joined a section of Kenyans appealing for the upcoming 60,000-seater Talanta Stadium in Nairobi to be renamed after the late former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga.

Speaking on Sunday, October 19, during the funeral service of Raila at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University grounds in Siaya County, Wanga urged President Ruto to honour the late Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader's legacy by naming the Ngong Road-based stadium after him.

"We only ask you for one more honour. The very large stadium we are building, with a 60,000 capacity, which we call 'magnificent' in English, we are requesting as a party that it be named 'Raila Odinga Talanta Stadium' in Nairobi," Wanga urged.

The late Raila Odinga with CS Salim Mvurya at Kasarani Stadium during Angola vs Kenya on August 7, 2025. /RAILA ODINGA

The ODM national chairperson went a step further; appealing to the Head of State to open talks with English Premier League (EPL) football club Arsenal, with the intention of hosting them for a memorial match at the venue, against Harambee Stars, Kenya's national football team.

"Since you're also an Arsenal fan, when you complete its construction next year, Baba was an Arsenal fan like yourself. Bring Arsenal there so that they play against Harambee Stars in the Raila Odinga Memorial Cup next year," she added.

During a special session in the National Assembly on Thursday, a number of MPs urged that the Talanta Stadium be renamed in honour of Odinga, who died on Wednesday following a heart attack.

The stadium, expected to be completed by the end of the year, is one of the key venues being prepared for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania.

Once finished, it will surpass Kasarani Stadium — which has a capacity of 48,000 — to become the largest sports arena in the country.

As of October 9, the Government Delivery Unit (GDU) disclosed that the construction works for the stadium were at 61 per cent completion. Since then, progress has been rapid, with roofing and curtain wall works underway.

Talanta Sports City Stadium Features

With a 60,000-seat capacity, the arena will primarily serve football but will also be adaptable for rugby and high-profile concerts, making it a true multipurpose venue. It will be fitted with an advanced broadcasting infrastructure that aligns with FIFA and CAF requirements.

The stadium will integrate modern features such as Video Assistant Referee (VAR), goal-line technology, and digital systems to enhance officiating, fan engagement, security, and event operations.

Parking will accommodate up to 3,000 vehicles across both underground and surface lots, reducing congestion during major events.

Construction officially kicked off with a groundbreaking on March 1, 2024, and it's slated for completion between December 2025 and March 2026.

Beyond his long political career, Odinga was well known for his passion for sports and frequently attended sporting events both locally and internationally.

His final public appearance at a sports event was during the African Nations Championships (CHAN) in August, which Kenya co-hosted alongside Uganda and Tanzania.

Ongoing construction works of the Talanta Stadium. /KENYA STADIUMS.FACEBOOK