Raila on Impromptu Last-minute Inspection of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium in Siaya

Spread the love

FORMER Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga on Monday made an impromptu last-minute inspection of the yet-to-be-commissioned Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium in Siaya County.

During the inspection Raila surprisingly called on Nyanza youth attending the Piny Luo Cultural Festival event and official opening of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium in Siaya not to frustrate visitors with their hand-out habits and instead give them a warm reception.

Odinga said dignitaries from Kenya and neighbouring countries should be given warm reception and guided accordingly.

Odinga made the remarks after inspecting Siaya stadium that is named in favour of his father the late Jaramogi.

Odinga lauded Governor Orengo’s stewardship saying the robust plans initiated by Orengo will enable Siaya residents to reap from the fruits of Devolution

“As the father of Devolution, am happy to see visible projects transforming lives of Kenyans. I can say for sure Devolution is working,” said the ODM Party scion.

Raila was also taken through the programme for January 2nd 2025.

Mr. Odinga’s impromptu inspection came only two days to the grand opening of the stadia that will be graced by President Dr. William Samoei Ruto and his Ugandan counterpart Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

Orengo welcomed the remarks of Raila with regards to the quality of the stadium.

Earlier in 2023 while making his maiden State of the County address, Governor Orengo revealed that the stadium features 20,000-seating capacity besides having enhanced ultramodern facilities.

Orengo hailed the Siaya County Assembly for supporting initiatives including budgets that have seen the iconic project come to completion.

“I want to thank the Siaya County Assembly led by Speaker George Okode for performing their role in seeing resources budgeted and resources injected to complete the stadium project,” said Orengo.

“I want also to thank the assembly for conducting public participation on lists of names and settling on Jaramogi Oginga Odinga as the name for Siaya stadium,” Orengo added.

The contract for the stadium project was signed by ex-Governor Cornell Ranga Amoth on October 30th 2018 and was part of the 2018/2019 County Integrated Development Plan.

The stadium has a police station, dispensary, changing rooms cafeteria among other facilities.

Public schools will equally have adequate space for games and trainings

Completion of the stadium has now given chance of sportsmen and women to have a conducive environment in addition to giving Siaya County the ability to host national and international sporting events.

During the grand opening on Thursday 2 January, Migwena Football combined team will have a curtain raiser match with the National Assembly football team before Kitara FC from Uganda takes on the mighty Gor Mahia.

Siaya County is indeed rich in football talent and has produced some of the best players in the national league such as legendary goalkeeper James Sianga, and dribbling marvel Francis Onyiso.

County Executive Member for Sports Anjeline Oduor and Director Sports Sanmac Okoth have been instrumental in overseeing the programs that have pushed the stadium project to its current state.