African Union special envoy Raila Odinga says Nairobi’s City Stadium will be renamed in honour of the late footballer Joe Kadenge.
According to the former Prime Minister, plans have been finalized to rename the stadium following talks with President Uhuru Kenyatta and Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko.
Speaking at Charter Hall on Tuesday evening during a fundraiser for Kadenge’s funeral expenses, Raila said he proposed the idea to President Uhuru Kenyatta who accepted and both have formally spoken to Sonko to fast track the renaming.
“Joe was a legend. And that is why I proposed to President Kenyatta on the possibility of renaming City Stadium in his honour,” said Raila. “We both have spoken with Sonko and has agreed to fast track the process,” he added.
The Opposition leader said the stadium will now be known as Joe Kadenge Stadium and that there will be a series of events to honour the former coach during the launch of the new name.
Raila also announced that following the order by President Kenyatta that Joe’s house in South B be given to him, Governor Sonko had agreed to ensure paperwork is done to have it handed over to his family, Citizen Digital reports.
“It was Joe’s wish that the house in Mariakani estate be handed over to him and that wish was granted by the President,” said Raila.
Mr Odinga contributed Kes 1 million during the fundraiser. He also delivered a similar amount on behalf of President Kenyatta.
Governor Sonko also sent an additional Sh1,000,000 while Musalia Mudavadi forked Sh150,000.
Other noteworthy contributors include: COTU boss Francis Atwoli(Sh200,000), Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi(Sh100,000), Nairobi Women Rep Esther Passaris (Sh50,000) and ODM Sec.Gen Edwin Sifuna(50,000).
