..As president names facility after Raila Odinga, announces Bayern Munich-Ajax opening match
Kenyan President William Ruto has drawn mixed reactions from citizens following his announcement of the completion of a 60,000-seat stadium in Nairobi, with critics questioning the government’s priorities amid concerns over fuel prices, healthcare and the country’s economic challenges.
Ruto announced on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, that the Raila Odinga International Stadium, located along Ngong Road in Nairobi, had been completed and would officially open on January 5, 2027, with a high-profile football match between German giants FC Bayern Munich and Dutch club AFC Ajax.
The announcement, which highlighted Kenya’s investment in sports infrastructure and preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), attracted criticism from some Kenyans who argued that the president’s address failed to address issues affecting their daily lives.
The president described the facility as Kenya’s first purpose-built football and rugby stadium and the country’s first international stadium since the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, was built in 1987.
The 60,000-capacity facility features a hybrid playing surface, 52 skyboxes, video assistant referee (VAR) technology and goal-line technology.
Ruto named the stadium after the late Raila Odinga, Kenya’s former prime minister and veteran opposition leader, citing his love of football and the anniversary of his death.
According to report, construction began in March 2024, despite widespread scepticism about the project’s delivery.
The announcement also underscored Kenya’s preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which the country will co-host with Tanzania and Uganda under the theme Pamoja.
However, the celebratory tone of the announcement did little to convince some citizens, who took to social media to question whether the development addressed their immediate concerns.
While the stadium represents a major addition to Kenya’s sporting infrastructure ahead of AFCON 2027, public response suggests that infrastructure announcements alone may not satisfy citizens seeking tangible improvements in their everyday lives.
Reacting to the announcement, Mwalimu Wanyama wrote: “Not in touch with Wanjiku at all.”
Samuel Nyagah questioned whether the president would address fuel prices, stating: “I thought fuel prices had gone down.”
John Ngatia criticised the government’s spending priorities, arguing that healthcare deserved greater attention.
“Stadiums are good but not a priority to Kenyans. Jenga ma hospitali na uweke dawa. Wakenya wanakufa kukosa matibabu,” he wrote, urging the government to build hospitals and provide medicines, adding that Kenyans were dying because of inadequate medical care.
Joan Bitok also expressed disappointment, asking: “Is that the speech I was waiting for?”
Getty Wanjohi questioned whether the announcement was merely publicity ahead of a more substantive address, writing: “Is this an advert as we wait for the big announcement, ama?”
George Asad Kb criticised the brevity of the address, commenting: “9 minutes only.”
Similarly, Josephat Juma questioned the significance of the announcement, writing: “Kusema Talanta yafunguliwa Jan ndio, addressing the nation, amalize aende bado only 8 months.”
The reactions highlighted a divide between the government’s emphasis on sports infrastructure and the concerns of citizens who want greater attention to the cost of living, access to healthcare and other pressing socioeconomic challenges.
