Advertisement
Govt removes bakuli seats at Talanta stadium after public uproar
21st February, 2026 12:01 PM
The government has been forced into an embarrassing and costly U-turn after Kenyans launched a scathing social media campaign against ‘bakuli’ seats that were being installed at the flagship Talanta stadium.
Images of green non-foldable bucket seats at the Talanta stadium (recently renamed the Raila Odinga International Stadium) sparked a digital riot weeks ago.
Critics argued that the fixed plastic chairs were outdated, reduced legroom, and were an insult to the multi-billion shilling budget allocated for the AFCON 2027 venue.
In a rare move of immediate accountability, the government confirmed on February 7, 2026, that it had listened to the fuming public as images emerged showing the bucket seats being removed.
During a visit to Talanta stadium on Saturday, February 7, 2026, President William Ruto addressed the criticism regarding the stadium’s progress and features.
Addressing critics, the President noted that while some were busy doubting the project or focusing on claims of mismanagement elsewhere, the government remained committed to delivering tangible results.
“They were busy treating doubts… Now look, see for yourselves, Talanta Stadium is right here. Hii ni noma sana, mtapenda,” Ruto said.
Insiders suggest the change of heart followed a high-level inspection and a subsequent directive to ensure the facility matches the world-class status promised to the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The new foldable seats are the global gold standard for modern arenas, allowing for easier movement between rows and significantly better maintenance.
Kenyans had complained that the previous low-budget options made the stadium look like a relic of the 1990s rather than a futuristic sports hub.
Despite the seating setback, the Ministry of Sports maintains that the project is still sprinting toward the finish line. The stadium is currently over 80% complete, with the pitch and main structure largely finalised.
The government remains confident that the final handover will happen as scheduled, ensuring the Raila Odinga International Stadium is ready to take its place as the premier sporting cathedral in East Africa—this time, with seats that fans actually want to sit in.
Author
Martin Oduor
The alchemist of literary works - a master wordsmith with a proven record of transforming the raw materials of language into a rich tapestry of emotion, thought, and imagination.
View all posts by Martin Oduor
