A prominent Nairobi County Assembly leader has issued a passionate and two-pronged appeal to the national government, calling for a permanent Raila Odinga Day and the renaming of the flagship Talanta Stadium project in honour of the late former Prime Minister.
Hon. Peter Imwatok, the Majority Leader of the Nairobi City County Assembly, made the call, framing it as a necessary act to etch Odinga’s decades-long legacy into the country’s national identity.
A Day of Reflection: Appeal to Interior CS
Imwatok’s first request is directed at Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, urging him to use the powers under the Public Holidays Act to officially gazette a national holiday.
“I humbly call upon Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to act,” Imwatok stated. “Let’s have a Raila Odinga Day—a day to pause, to honour the man who carried Kenya’s hopes, struggles, and dreams across generations.”
The Majority Leader referenced the recent display of respect shown to Odinga following his passing, where his body lay in state in Parliament, a tribute historically reserved for presidents. “That moment said it all. He may never have sat in State House, but he led from the soul of this nation,” Imwatok said.
Talanta Stadium: A Living Legacy
In his second, and perhaps more significant proposal, Imwatok suggested a “living legacy” by renaming the state-of-the-art Talanta Stadium, currently under construction, to honour the former Prime Minister. The $350 million, 60,000-seater stadium—a flagship infrastructure project of President William Ruto’s administration—is being built in Nairobi’s Jamhuri Grounds area and is a key part of Kenya’s bid to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Imwatok noted the shared passion for football between President Ruto and the late Odinga—both reportedly avid supporters of the English club Arsenal. He argued that dedicating the President’s legacy project to Odinga would be a fitting and symbolic gesture.
“I know Talanta Stadium is the President’s legacy project, his gift to the nation… And because both President Ruto and Raila Odinga share a deep love for football… this would be a fitting tribute,” he said, concluding that the name should be officially changed to the Raila Odinga Stadium.
Ruto’s ‘Indebtedness’ Cited in Farewell Tribute
Imwatok also took a moment to commend President Ruto for the state honours accorded to Odinga during his farewell.
“To President William Ruto—respect,” Imwatok stated. “The way you handled Baba’s farewell, the full military honours, the grace, the unity spoke volumes. You said you were forever indebted, and you proved it. You gave Baba a send-off worthy of the giant he was, and the world noticed.”
This latest proposal builds on Imwatok’s past efforts to memorialise the veteran politician. He recalled his successful campaign in October 2021, as the then Makongeni Ward MCA, to have a key Nairobi road, Mbagathi Way, renamed Raila Odinga Way. “As Imwatok, son of Teso, I gave Baba a road. Now, Murkomen, give us the day,” he concluded.
The proposals now place the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and President Ruto in a position to determine the shape of Odinga’s permanent memorialisation in Kenya.
