President William Ruto has proposed renaming Kisumu International Airport after the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga as part of plans to honour the former opposition chief.
Ruto said discussions were ongoing with the Kisumu County Government and residents of the region on the possibility of renaming the airport Raila Odinga International Airport.
He made the remarks during a media engagement at Kisumu State Lodge on Monday, September 14, 2026, as he continued his four-day development tour of Nyanza.
“I am in discussion with the county government here and the people of this region about the possibility of renaming Kisumu International Airport also as Raila Odinga International Airport,” Ruto said.
The President also announced plans to rename the Talanta Sports City Stadium in Nairobi after the former Prime Minister.
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Ruto said the stadium, which is nearing completion, will be officially opened as Raila Odinga International Stadium once the remaining works are concluded.
“Talanta Stadium is going to be renamed Raila Odinga International Stadium,” he said.
Ruto explains Raila stadium tribute
Ruto said the decision to name the Nairobi stadium after Raila was his own initiative and was meant to honour the former Prime Minister, who died earlier this year.
“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.
The President said the stadium was at the tail end of construction, with final works including testing of lighting and water systems, audio installations and preparation of the playing surface.
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He said the facility could be officially opened within the next month, with the government also looking for teams to play in the inaugural match.
“We are going to open Talanta Stadium now as Raila Odinga International Stadium,” Ruto said.
Two major facilities could bear Raila’s name
If the proposals are approved, Raila’s name could be attached to two major national facilities in Nairobi and Kisumu.
The proposal to rename Kisumu International Airport is particularly significant given Raila’s longstanding political influence in the Nyanza region and his close association with Kisumu.
Raila, who died earlier this year, served as Kenya’s Prime Minister between 2008 and 2013 and remained one of the country’s most influential opposition leaders for decades.
The proposed honours come as Ruto continues efforts to recognise Raila’s contribution to Kenya, following the political cooperation between the two leaders under the broad-based government.
