Gladys Wanga to Ruto: ‘Bring Arsenal to Kenya in honour of Raila’

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BONDO, Siaya County - Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has appealed to President William Ruto to honour the late Raila Amolo Odinga by naming Kenya’s upcoming Talanta Stadium after him and inviting English Premier League giants Arsenal to play in Nairobi.

“Your Excellency, Baba was an Arsenal fan. I know you also support Arsenal,” said Governor Wanga during the state funeral service at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) in Bondo.

“When the stadium is complete, I request you to organise the Raila Odinga Memorial Cup and invite Arsenal to play against Harambee Stars.”

Wanga’s plea drew loud applause from mourners, many of whom fondly recalled Raila’s love for football — a passion that cut across politics, family and friendship.

Odinga was not only a lifelong Arsenal supporter, but also a former footballer who played for Luo Union FC (now Gor Mahia) in his youth.

He later became the patron of Gor Mahia FC, guiding and supporting the club through its many challenges.

According to his elder brother, Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga, the ODM leader's enthusiasm for football remained unmatched to his final days.

“Your Excellency, we only lost that game against Madagascar when the two of you didn’t attend,” he said, drawing laughter from the crowd — referring to Kenya’s quarter-final loss to Madagascar at the African Nations Championship (CHAN) in August 2025.

“He loved football. He was a player and a supporter of the national team all his life.”

President Ruto, who was away in China at the time, nodded in agreement as Dr Oginga added that Odinga would often attend matches in person to cheer on the Harambee Stars.

During the CHAN 2024 tournament, Kenya were eliminated after a 1-1 draw that ended 4-3 on penalties, their only loss in a competition where both Raila and the President were present for earlier wins.

As Gor Mahia’s patron, Odinga was instrumental in pushing for better football management and infrastructure.

The club described him as “a patron who never turned his back on us — a true believer in Kenyan football.”

He often used football metaphors in his political speeches, casting himself as a captain leading his team — “the people” — toward victory.

He also championed youth sports development, saying that football was a tool for national unity and a path for young people to realise their dreams.

Governor Wanga’s proposal also reignited debate over the Talanta Stadium, a 60,000-seater facility under construction in Nairobi, billed as Kenya’s largest modern sports complex.

The project, part of the government’s Talanta Hela initiative, is expected to meet FIFA standards and host both local and international tournaments once completed.

Kenya’s poor stadium infrastructure has long hindered its ability to host major international events.

In 2021, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) disqualified Kasarani and Nyayo stadiums from continental matches, citing inadequate facilities.

The country later missed out on opportunities to host the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the African Nations Championship (CHAN).

Sports federations have since urged the government to accelerate stadium construction and renovations to reclaim Kenya’s position as a regional football powerhouse.