President Ruto Announces Plan to Rename Kisumu International Airport After Raila Odinga

President William Ruto has announced plans to rename Kisumu International Airport Raila Odinga International Airport.

Speaking on Monday night, September 14, President Ruto said he is engaging the Kisumu County government on the proposal to rename the airport. 

“I am in discussion with the Kisumu County government and people from the region with the possibility of renaming Kisumu International Airport as Raila Odinga International Airport,” Ruto announced. 

The Head of State also said the Talanta Stadium along Ngong Road has already been renamed after the former Premier. 

President Ruto said he decided to rename the 60,000-capacity stadium out of respect for the late Raila. 

“Nobody is forcing us to do it; I am doing it out of respect for the late Prime Minister,” the President stated. 

President Ruto’s announcement comes a day after Raila’s family established a committee to coordinate activities marking his first death anniversary. 

In a statement on Sunday, September 13, the family said the committee will be led by Professor Adams Oloo. 

The family noted that the committee is developing a program of events for Raila’s death anniversary. 

“The family has constituted a committee chaired by Prof. Adams Oloo to coordinate commemorative activities during the week of the 15th. 

“The committee is currently developing the programme, which the family will announce in good time,” the statement read. 

Raila’s family also noted that many Kenyans did not get an opportunity to mourn the former premier or bid him farewell in the manner they would have wished following his death in October 2025.

The family said the first anniversary would provide an opportunity for his supporters and Kenyans to remember and honour him. 

“We therefore want this first anniversary to give the people their moment with Baba to remember him, mourn him, celebrate him and honour the journey they shared with him,” the family added.