A Tribute to a Political Icon
Kalonzo Musyoka, the leader of the Wiper Patriotic Front, has proposed renaming the Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui to honor the late former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga. This suggestion came during a visit to Opoda Farm in Bondo, where he joined other leaders and family members to pay tribute to Raila’s legacy.
During the event, Kalonzo urged the Kitui County Assembly to act swiftly and table a motion to officially rename the stadium as the Raila Amollo Odinga Stadium. He emphasized that this gesture would be a fitting tribute to Raila’s long-standing commitment to national unity, democracy, and the development of sports in the country.
“Kitui County Assembly, I want you to move a motion expeditiously to name the newly renovated Ithookwe Stadium Raila Amolo Odinga stadium,” Kalonzo said, highlighting the importance of honoring Raila through public infrastructure to keep his legacy alive for future generations.
The Wiper leader noted that Raila had always shown a passion for sports, especially football, where he actively supported the growth of youth talent. He recalled shared moments around soccer, mentioning that both were ardent Arsenal supporters.
In a lighthearted moment, Kalonzo joked that while he considered himself the better player, Raila was undoubtedly the more charismatic commentator. “I was a better player than Raila in soccer, but he was a better commentator. And both of us were Arsenal,” Kalonzo said, reflecting warmly on their shared fondness for the game.
Kalonzo also expressed support for the proposal by Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga to rename the upcoming Talanta Stadium project in Nairobi in honor of the late former Prime Minister. He stated that such moves reflect widespread appreciation for Odinga’s decades of political leadership and his role in promoting inclusivity and national dialogue.
“I heard Governor Wanga during Raila’s burial talking about Talanta Stadium, and I want to support that strongly,” he added. His remarks echoed sentiments from several other leaders, including Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, who have also supported commemorating Raila through public spaces, monuments, and national programs.
If adopted, the renaming of Ithookwe Stadium would mark one of the most prominent public tributes to Raila in the Eastern region, particularly in Kitui, where Kalonzo enjoys significant political support.
The Wiper leader honored his longtime political ally with a deeply symbolic traditional gesture by delivering dozens of cattle to his Opoda Farm home in Bondo, Siaya county. Reports indicated that Kalonzo brought approximately 100 cattle, a grand show of respect that underscored the depth of his admiration for the former Prime Minister.