Gachagua Takes Aim at Ruto Over Raila Odinga Stadium, Questions Billions Spent on Project

Democracy for the Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua has criticised President William Ruto’s government over billions of shillings being spent on the construction of the Raila Odinga International Stadium at Talanta Sports City.

Gachagua questioned the government’s priorities, arguing that naming the facility after the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga would not necessarily translate into political support from his followers ahead of the 2027 General Election.

According to the former deputy president, the government could be mistaken if it believes that honouring Raila through the stadium would convince his supporters, particularly football enthusiasts, to back Ruto politically.

“Ruto thinks that if he does that, the supporters of Raila Odinga, who are football fans, will support him,” Gachagua said.

He added that some Kenyans remained committed to the political slogan “Wantam”, suggesting that the stadium’s construction and naming would not change their political position.

Gachagua’s remarks highlight the growing political debate surrounding the government’s development priorities and its relationship with supporters of the late ODM leader.

The DCP leader also questioned why foreign football teams would be among the first to play at a facility built using enormous amounts of public money.

He argued that the government should have prioritised local football clubs and the national team, Harambee Stars, when planning the stadium’s opening activities.

“People are asking, how can foreign teams be the first ones to play in a stadium that has cost us an enormous fortune? Don’t we have local teams?” he posed.

Gachagua suggested that if the government wanted to attract international football attention, it could have invited a European team to play against Harambee Stars, giving Kenyan players an opportunity to showcase their talents on home soil.

His comments have placed the stadium project at the centre of a wider conversation about public spending, sports development and political symbolism.

The controversy also raises questions about how the facility will benefit local football and whether the investment will deliver lasting value to Kenyan sports beyond its ceremonial opening.

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