JUST IN: Ruto, Museveni, Raila to Grace Grand Opening of Siaya County Stadium

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President William Samoei Ruto and his Ugandan counterpart Yoweri Kaguta Museveni will be in Siaya on January 2, 2025 to officiate the grand opening of Siaya Stadium, Interior PS Raymond Omollo has confirmed.

Omollo who who was on a reconnaissance mission paid a courtesy call on Siaya Governor James Aggrey Bob Orengo who later chaperoned him on a tour of the ultramodern sports facility.

Governor James Orengo (left) with his guest the Principal Secretary for Interior, Raymond Omollo. Photos: Directorate of Communication, County Government of Siaya

The host requested that since an inaugural football match will be held at the stadium in the afternoon, the president be slotted for another event in the morning that will take place at Got Ramogi.

During the site-visit Mr. Omollo lauded Orengo’s administration for overseeing a quality-standard stadium construction that will comfortably host national events.

Omollo’s visit to Siaya comes only a day after a separate team from Uganda held similar inspections of Siaya Stadium and Got Ramogi that will host president Museveni.

The PS requested the County leadership to ensure that the public are seated by 8 AM to avoid any confrontations with the security detail and by 11 AM, the Presidential Protocol team will take over the running of the event.

“We are aware that Ugandan team will play with our own Gor Mahia to mark the grand opening but 4 PM should find the event completed,” said Omollo. “We will strictly observe protocol by starting at 11 AM and ending at 4 PM,” he added.

He welcomed Kenyans to the event which he noted will attract thousands of visitors from all walks of life.

“Dignitaries that will attend the event will be many including Former Premier Raila Odinga who is expected to grace other cultural activities including Migwena and Piny Luo,” Omollo said.

Governor Orengo appreciated the state for their cooperation and support towards actualising the cultural activities.

“Through the PS we managed to secure assistance from the National government that enabled us overcome some obstacles we faced in the construction”, said Orengo, adding “This event is also in consonance with the provisions of the constitution that requires promotion of languages and culture. Its not a parochial event but a national activity and we are now assured that the president will grace the event,” said Orengo.

The County boss also revealed that the cultural activities will be held at the National Museum (Kan’go Kajaramogi), Pap Kopodo, Migwena grounds, Wich Lum, Got Ramogi and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST).

According to Tourism, Culture and Sports Executive Anjeline Oduor, Got Ramogi which is believed to be the cradle of Luos will be one of the main venues.

Main stakeholders of the Piny Luo Cultural Festival are the elders. Water sports and traditional way of mourning in Luo community, commonly known as “Tero Buru” will be hosted at Wich Lum beach.

“We shall also have take-away symposiums and breakaway sessions. We shall have youths, women, persons living with disabilities, scholars and elders hosting such sessions,” said Oduor.