President William Ruto presided over the grand opening of the newly constructed Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium in Siaya County on January 2, 2025. The modern facility, with a seating capacity of 20,000, marks a significant development in the region's sports infrastructure. The launch of this state-of-the-art stadium aligns with Governor James Orengo’s Nyalore Manifesto, which prioritizes tourism, sports, and cultural advancement. As the first of its kind in Western Kenya, the stadium features a red-tartan track that positions it as a premier venue for athletic events and international competitions.
The new stadium is expected to become a hub for multinational sports competitions, providing a platform for nurturing talent and fostering unity across borders. President Ruto, accompanied by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and former Kenyan Prime Minister and AUC Chairperson Candidate Raila Odinga, emphasized the broader vision of using sports as a tool for regional integration and peace.
During his speech, President Ruto highlighted the transformative power of sports in enhancing cross-border harmony, encouraging talent exchange, and strengthening African partnerships. His remarks underlined the government's commitment to building infrastructure that supports youth empowerment and international cooperation. The president undertook the initiative of constructing the roof around the stadium after an exemplary delivery by Governor Emeritus Cornel Rasanga and current Governor James Orengo. The expansion will see the stadium capacity increase to 60,000.
The official launch event was a highlight of the three days of the 4th Piny Luo Cultural Festival, a celebration of Luo heritage and global diaspora connections. As part of the festivities, Ruto, Museveni, and Raila attended an exhilarating football match between Kenya's Gor Mahia and Uganda’s Kitara Football Club. The high-energy game, which ended with a dramatic 9-8 victory for Gor Mahia on penalty shootout after a baren draw, demonstrated the competitive spirit and camaraderie fostered by sporting events. President Ruto described the match as thrilling, reflecting the shared enthusiasm for sports in the region.
The 4th Piny Luo Cultural Festival, which complemented the stadium's launch, offered a rich tapestry of cultural displays and activities. Events took place at multiple venues, including Migwena Grounds, Wichlum Beach, Kopondo Grounds in Got Ramogi, and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University. These locations hosted traditional dances, music performances, and exhibitions that showcased the diversity and unity of the Luo community. The festival also provided an opportunity for the diaspora to reconnect with their cultural roots while promoting cultural tourism and heritage preservation.
The inauguration of the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium is a significant milestone for Siaya County and Western Kenya as a whole. By investing in modern sports infrastructure and cultural initiatives, the region positions itself as a destination for both athletic excellence and cultural exchange. The collaboration between political leaders and neighboring nations highlights the shared vision of fostering unity through sports and cultural diplomacy. The stadium and associated events mark a new chapter in promoting regional development, tourism, and pan-African solidarity.