Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has formally requested President William Ruto to christen the Talanta Stadium along Ngong Road the “Raila Odinga Talanta Stadium Nairobi” in honor of the late second Prime Minister of Kenya.
Speaking at the Raila Odinga’s funeral service at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology in Siaya County on Sunday, Wanga, who also serves as the ODM Party national chairperson, made the plea.
“Your excellency, we only ask you for one more honour. The upcoming magnificent 60,000 capacity stadium in Nairobi, we request that it be named the Raila Odinga Talanta Stadium, Nairobi.”
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Wanga proposes a memorial football match featuring Raila Odinga’s beloved EPL Club, Arsenal
Wanga also took the opportunity to request that the Head of State facilitate a friendly match featuring Odinga’s favorite football club, Arsenal, at the grounds in 2026.
“Your excellency, because you are an Arsenal fan just like Baba, we request that you arrange a friendly match between Arsenal and Harambee Stars next year in the Raila Odinga Memorial Cup.”
The stadium, which is currently 61% complete, is scheduled to be one of the host venues for the 2027 Pamoja Africa Cup of Nations in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Notably,Raila ,the longest serving patron of Gor Mahia FC has a stadium in his name in Homabay County.
The Raila Odinga Stadium Homabay (ROSH) which was officially opened by him in July 2023.
Kenyan footballers unite in a moving on-field tribute for Hon. Raila Odinga
Elsewhere, Kenyan footballers honored the Gor Mahia Patron by dedicating goals to him during the first leg of the CAF Inter-Club competitions second preliminary round matches.
Nairobi United forward Ovella Ochieng’ scored the club’s first goal in their 2-0 victory against Tunisia’s ES Sahel on Sunday at the Ulinzi Sports Complex.
Ochieng’ held up a Nairobi United jersey that read, “RIP Baba, your spirit reigns in us,” featuring the number 80, signifying Odinga’s age.
In Uganda, Harambee Stars Attacker Moses Shummah also dedicated his goal to Raila. Shummah, who plays for Zambian club Power Dynamos, netted his team’s equalizer against Vipers SC at the St Mary’s Stadium in Kitende.
Shummah’s celebration involved waving the Kenyan national flag and shouting “Jowi” a Luo word for Buffalo, an animal that symbolizes strength and courage.
Dynamos secured a crucial 2-1 away win ahead of the 2nd leg on Sunday,26th October.