AFCON 2027: Ruto reveals when Talanta Stadium will be formally renamed Raila Odinga
By Paulette Mboga, September 14, 2026President William Ruto has said Talanta Stadium will be formally renamed Raila Odinga International Stadium when it officially opens, with the process expected to take place in October 2026 or so as the country prepares for CAF Africa Cup of Nations PAMOJA 2027.
Ruto said the stadium is nearing completion, with only a few systems left to be tested before it can open. He said the tests include lighting, the water system and audio equipment as preparations for the official opening continue.
“Talanta Stadium, I already said myself that Talanta is going to be renamed Raila Odinga International Stadium,” Ruto said on Monday, September 14, 2026, while speaking in Kisumu.
He explained that the formal renaming will happen at the same time the stadium is officially opened. Ruto said plans are also underway to have teams come and play the first match at the facility.
“And when we open that stadium, it is at that point that we are going to formally…you know… because ehh… the stadium is just at the tail end of it being concluded,” Ruto said.
Ruto said the remaining work is mainly focused on testing some of the stadium’s systems before the facility is formally opened. He said the government expects the process to be completed soon as preparations for the opening continue.
“I think just a few things they were testing. The lighting, testing the water system, the audio things. So I think in the next month or so, we should be able to formally open Talanta Stadium,” Ruto said.
Plans for the stadium opening
Ruto said efforts are being made to identify teams that will come to play the first match at the stadium.
“We are looking for some teams to come and play the first match. We are going to open Talanta Stadium as Raila International Stadium,” Ruto said.
The President also addressed the decision to honour Raila Odinga through the stadium’s new name. He said the move was his own decision and was based on respect for the former Prime Minister.
“Nobody is forcing us to do it. I am doing it out of respect for someone who was an Arsenal fan like me,” Ruto said.
Ruto further revealed that discussions are ongoing over another possible name change involving Kisumu International Airport. He said he is consulting people from the region on the possibility of renaming the airport after Raila Odinga.
“I am in discussion with the people of this region about the possibility of renaming Kisumu International Airport to Raila Odinga International Airport,” Ruto said.