PHOTOS: Newly built Raila Odinga stadium that will host Madaraka Day fete
Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay is poised to take centre stage in the country’s national spotlight this weekend, hosting back-to-back major events that underscore its emergence as a premier sporting and ceremonial venue.
On Sunday, June 1, 2025, the stadium will serve as the site of this year’s Madaraka Day celebrations, a national holiday commemorating the country’s attainment of self-rule in 1963.
Less than 24 hours later, the same venue will host one of the country’s most storied football rivalries – the Mashemeji Derby – pitting Gor Mahia against archrivals AFC Leopards.
The transformation of the once modest facility into a region-leading stadium has been spearheaded by Kenya’s national government, with construction works overseen by Sports Kenya and finalised under the Ministry of Sports.
The project was formally completed and handed over to the National Celebrations Steering Committee on May 26 by Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya.
Originally constructed by the Homa Bay County Government with only a VIP pavilion in place, the stadium underwent significant upgrades to accommodate both national ceremonies and high-stakes sporting events.
Key enhancements included the construction of concrete spectator terraces encircling the pitch, expanding seating capacity from 12,000 to approximately 15,000.
Unlike previous stadiums refurbished for similar functions, such as Gusii and Kericho Green Stadiums, Raila Odinga Stadium now boasts a continuous ring of concrete stands, offering a cohesive spectator experience.
Most notably, the venue now features a full-circle canopy sheltering all seating areas — a rare addition in Kenya’s public stadiums and a critical requirement for hosting international fixtures under the Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards.
This architectural upgrade not only improves the stadium’s visual appeal but also elevates its functional capacity, particularly in anticipation of future CAF-sanctioned matches.
The main pavilion, previously completed by the county, has also been retrofitted to enhance VIP access and hospitality services.
Renovated changing rooms, temporary VIP seating for the Madaraka Day ceremony, and plans for installing foldable seating in the next phase reflect a growing ambition to make the stadium a world-class venue.
Beyond the field, the stadium grounds have seen logistical improvements, including a new parking area accommodating over 150 vehicles, paved with cabro blocks for durability and accessibility.
Mashemeji derby
The culmination of these works comes just in time for the Mashemeji Derby, a fixture that faced logistical hurdles earlier this month.
Originally slated for May 11, the derby was postponed due to the lack of a suitable venue in Nairobi. With Gor Mahia as designated hosts, the team successfully sought an alternative in the newly revamped Homa Bay facility.
The match is expected to draw tens of thousands of fans from across the country and marks a milestone for Homa Bay — a county long overshadowed by larger urban centres like Kisumu.
“HISTORY IN THE MAKING! For the first time ever, the legendary Mashemeji Derby is leaving Nairobi and taking over Raila Odinga Stadium Homa Bay (ROSH). Two giants. One historic pitch. Millions of emotions. Come witness passion, drama, and unforgettable football action! Are you ready? Karibuni sana The Bay of Endless Potential!” Homa Bay governor Gladys Wanga wrote on X on Friday, May 30, 2025.
With its new stature, Raila Odinga Stadium now stands as the most advanced sporting venue in the Nyanza region, offering a glimpse into the potential of devolution-backed infrastructure development in Kenya’s counties.
As the country prepares to celebrate its past and embrace its sporting future, all eyes will be on Homa Bay this weekend — and on a stadium that now bears the name of one of Kenya’s most iconic political figures, standing ready to host history in the making.
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Martin Oduor
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