Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has made an appeal to President William Ruto, urging him to invite the renowned English Premier League team, Arsenal, to play a friendly match against Kenya’s national football team, Harambee Stars, once the Talanta Sports City Stadium is finished.
The stadium, a 60,000-seater facility located along Ngong Road in Nairobi, has faced delays and is now expected to be completed in early 2026, instead of the initial December 2025 deadline. This state-of-the-art stadium, a product of a public-private partnership and constructed by China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), will be a centerpiece of Kenya’s sports infrastructure when it officially opens. It is designed to host football and rugby matches, including the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Governor Wanga also suggested naming the stadium after Raila Odinga and called on President Ruto, an Arsenal supporter, to facilitate bringing Arsenal to Kenya for the proposed friendly match. This event would commemorate Raila Odinga’s legacy and establish a footballing connection with one of Europe’s top clubs, enhancing Kenya’s global sports profile. The proposal has garnered support and laughter from the public, highlighting its potential to boost local enthusiasm for international football.
While the project is still under construction and the final completion date is pending, the stadium’s potential as a landmark sports venue makes the friendly match proposal a compelling idea to promote Kenyan football and strengthen international sports relations.
