President William Ruto has opened the door to having Kisumu International Airport named after the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, saying consultations with the county government and residents are already underway over the proposal.
The President made the announcement on Monday during a media engagement at Kisumu State Lodge, where he also confirmed that Nairobi’s Talanta Stadium will carry Raila’s name once the facility is officially opened.
Under the Kisumu proposal, the airport would become Raila Odinga International Airport, adding to a series of measures being considered by the government to honour the former Prime Minister.
“I am in discussion with the county government here and the people of this region, with the possibility of renaming Kisumu International Airport, also as Raila Odinga International Airport, right here in Kisumu,” Ruto said.
Ruto said the decision to name the Nairobi stadium after Raila had already been made, with the facility expected to be opened within the next month.
“We are going to open Talanta Stadium now as Raila Odinga International Stadium,” Ruto said.
He said work at the stadium had reached its final stage, with contractors dealing with the remaining tasks before the facility is ready for use.
According to Ruto, lighting and water systems were undergoing tests, while the audio system was also being checked. He added that grass had already been planted at the stadium.
The President said the government was also searching for teams that would take part in the first match at the new facility once it is opened.
Ruto said naming the stadium after Raila was a personal decision based on his respect for the former Prime Minister and his contribution to the country.
“Nobody is forcing us to do it. I'm doing it out of respect for the late Prime Minister, who was an Arsenal fan like myself,” Ruto said.
He described Raila as a great statesman who had a big vision for Kenya, saying the planned names were part of efforts to honour his memory.
Government prepares for Raila anniversary
Ruto further disclosed that the government was working with Raila’s family ahead of the first anniversary of his death.
He said he had ordered the construction of a mausoleum in Raila’s honour and directed that improvements be carried out at the existing mausoleum of Raila’s father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.
The President said the government was targeting October 14 as the completion date for the works so that the facilities could be handed over to the family before the anniversary activities.
He added that the government would work with Raila’s family in preparing activities to mark the anniversary in recognition of his standing as a national statesman.
Ruto made the announcements while highlighting several development projects being undertaken in the Nyanza region, particularly in the sports sector.
He said a new stadium was being built in Migori, while the stadium in Homa Bay had already been completed.
The redevelopment of Moi Stadium in Kisumu is also underway, with Ruto saying he visited the site on Sunday to see the progress.
He added that another stadium was being developed in Siaya as the government expands sports facilities in different parts of the country.
Ruto explains seven-year sports funding plan
The President also defended the use of the sports fund to finance stadium construction, amid criticism of the decision to commit the money towards infrastructure projects for seven years.
“There are people who are accusing me of using the sports fund to develop sports infrastructure in Kenya,” Ruto said.
He said some critics had questioned why the government had committed the funds for a long period to enable the construction of stadiums across the country.
“They are saying, ‘Oh, William Ruto has gone to securitise. He has committed that money for the next seven years for him to be able to construct all these stadia.’ Yes, it is true.”
Ruto questioned the record of the sports fund over the previous 15 years, saying his decision was aimed at ensuring the money was protected from misuse and directed towards projects that Kenyans could see.
“The sports fund has been here for the last 15 years. What has it been doing? Can they account for the last 15 years? The reason why I decided to securitise it is so that it's not available for abuse, it's not available for misuse, and we can see the infrastructure,” Ruto said.
The President said the stadium programme would give young people better places to train, compete and develop their sporting abilities.
He also said the facilities would be able to generate money that could help meet their running and maintenance costs.
Ruto said the government was targeting the construction of 32 stadiums across Kenya over the seven-year period.
Among the facilities included in the programme is the stadium in Nairobi that will be opened under Raila’s name.
“This stadium we are building here in Kisumu will serve the young people of Kisumu. The ones we are building in every other part of Kenya will serve the young people of those areas,” he said.
The President said the government’s investment in sports infrastructure was necessary to support Kenya’s strong sporting culture and create facilities that could benefit young people across the country.
He maintained that he had no regrets over the decision to commit the sports funds to the programme, saying he would make the same choice if given another opportunity.
“If I had an opportunity to do it, I would do it again, because it's the right thing to do,” he said.