Lawyer and political commentator Willis Otieno has sparked debate over how Kenya should honour the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. While several leaders have called for stadiums to bear Raila’s name, Otieno argues that an airport would better immortalize his legacy.
Taking to his official X account on Monday, November 3, 2025, Otieno urged President William Ruto to consider renaming Kisumu International Airport to Raila Amollo Odinga International Airport. He explained that airports elevate the honour of national heroes far more than sports facilities.
“The best way Kenya can honour Raila Odinga’s legacy forever is by renaming Kisumu International Airport to Raila Amollo Odinga International Airport and not a stadium. Airports raise the honour of heroes more than stadiums,” Otieno wrote.
The call comes amid ongoing discussions over renaming the Talanta Hela Stadium in Nairobi. Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga was among the first leaders to urge President Ruto to rename the 60,000-seater stadium in tribute to Raila’s love for sports. Speaking at the late leader’s funeral service in Bondo, Wanga said, “Our president, we only ask one more thing from you…that magnificent stadium…we ask that it be renamed Raila Odinga Talanta Stadium.”
Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma and Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei have also joined the push to rename the stadium. The facility, now nearing completion, is set to host matches during the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania.
George Kaluma echoed the sentiments of many, highlighting Raila’s passion for sports: “President William Ruto, please name this Raila Odinga Stadium Talanta–ROST in honour of the greatest sports fan Kenya has ever had.”
Despite widespread support for the stadium renaming, Otieno’s airport proposal has introduced a fresh perspective, suggesting that Kenya could commemorate Raila Odinga in a way that leaves a lasting mark on both the region and the nation.
