Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has requested the Kitui County Assembly to immediately move a motion that will pave the way for the newly renovated Ithookwe Stadium to be renamed after the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga.
Kalonzo said Raila Odinga was not only a national leader but also a great lover of sports, and renaming the stadium in Kitui after him would be a great honour to the fallen patriot.
The former Vice President also supported Homabay Governor Gladys Wanga’s call for the government to rename Talanta Stadium in Nairobi as Raila Odinga Stadium in memory of one of the country’s greatest political leaders.
“I want to direct Kitui County Assembly to move a motion that will rename the newly renovated Ithookwe Stadium Raila Amolo Odinga Stadium and similarly I want to reiterate the call by my sister, Homabay Governor Wanga, that Talanta Stadium in Nairobi also be renamed after Raila,” he said.
Kalonzo added that Raila loved various sports, and naming the stadiums after him would be a befitting honour.
Speaking during a visit to Raila Odinga’s Opoda home in Bondo, Kalonzo urged ODM party leadership not to be swayed by external influence into relinquishing their positions.
“I was very shocked the other day when someone came to Bondo and insisted that they wanted to take care of the ODM party. The best respect you can give Raila is not to accept anyone saying they will look after the ODM party,” he said.
He also described himself as the most rightful politician to honour Raila, as both ODM and Wiper remain members of the Azimio Coalition.
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“If ODM wants anybody to talk to them, Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka is the right person, not those who insulted Raila when he was alive. Raila also did not break Azimio Coalition which we are all members,” he stated.
Kalonzo, who brought 100 heads of cattle to Raila’s home to mourn the late former Prime Minister, was accompanied by Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr, who observed that although Raila Odinga fought for free and fair elections, that goal is yet to be fully realised.
Kilonzo stated that as leaders, they will not relent in their struggle to ensure free and fair elections, keeping Raila Odinga’s legacy and dreams alive.
Siaya Governor James Orengo praised Kalonzo as the most astute and honest leader in the country. “Power must be controlled and that’s why Raila fought for the current Constitution,” he added.
Orengo cautioned that democracy requires strong parties protected by law, not the whims of an individual, and warned ODM leadership against letting the party be swallowed by others.
Kisumu Women Representative Ruth Odinga echoed Orengo’s sentiments, pointing out that ODM shall remain united and negotiate with other parties ahead of the 2027 polls as one strong, united party.
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