President William Ruto has proposed renaming Kisumu International Airport after the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, saying consultations are underway with the Kisumu County government and residents of the region. Ruto made the announcement during a media engagement at Kisumu State Lodge on Monday, September 14, as he continued his development tour of Nyanza. The President said the proposal would see the airport renamed Raila Odinga International Airport, but indicated that the process is still at the consultation stage.
“I am in discussion with the county government here and the people of this region, with the possibility of renaming Kisumu International Airport also as Raila Odinga International Airport, right here in Kisumu,” Ruto said.
The remarks do not amount to a completed name change. Ruto specifically referred to ongoing discussions with the county government and residents before the proposal can proceed. Ruto also confirmed that Nairobi’s Talanta Stadium will be officially opened under the name Raila Odinga International Stadium. He said the decision was motivated by his respect for Raila, who died in October 2025 after a long political career that included serving as Prime Minister between 2008 and 2013.
“Nobody is forcing us to do it. I’m doing it out of respect for the late Prime Minister,” Ruto said.
The President said the 60,000-capacity facility was nearing completion, with workers finalising installations including lighting, water and audio systems as well as work on the playing surface. He said the government expected the stadium to be ready for official opening within about a month and was considering teams that could play the inaugural match. The proposed airport renaming forms part of a series of measures Ruto has announced in connection with Raila’s legacy. Ruto has previously approved the renaming of Talanta Stadium in honour of the former Prime Minister, while the latest proposal would extend the name to a major transport facility in Raila’s political home region.
The President also said the government was working with Raila’s family on preparations to mark the first anniversary of his death. He said he had directed that a mausoleum in Bondo, Siaya County, be completed ahead of the October 2026 anniversary commemorations.
For Kisumu International Airport, however, no final name change has been announced. The airport remains officially known as Kisumu International Airport while consultations continue. Any formal change will depend on the relevant government processes following the discussions announced by the President. The proposal would give one of Kenya’s key airports the name of one of the country’s most prominent political figures and former Prime Minister. For now, the immediate development is Ruto’s announcement that talks are underway over the proposed Raila Odinga International Airport name, while the Talanta Stadium renaming is expected to take effect when the Nairobi facility officially opens.