President William Ruto and African Union Candidate (AUC) Raila Odinga jointly donated millions of shillings to Kenyan football giants Gor Mahia and Uganda’s Kitara FC during an exhibition match marking the launch of the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium in Siaya.
President Ruto pledged Ksh 2 million, while Odinga donated Ksh 1 million, resulting in each team walking away with Ksh 1.5 million.
“Baba ametoa shillingi milioni moja na mimi nimetoa shillingi milioni mbili, hawa teams wawili wagawane kwa sababu wamecheza vizuri sana,” Ruto said
Earlier on while launching the Stadium, Ruto emphasised the importance of such a facility in fostering collaboration and integration among African nations.
“We are going beyond our boundaries to promote multinational sports competitions so as to deepen cross-border harmony, boost talent exchange and enhance regional integration,” Ruto said.
The President announced that the government will take over the remaining construction of the stadium.
“The remaining work of completing this project including the canopy will be done by the national government until its completion,” he said.
Upon completion, the stadium will be able to hold 20,000 spectators.
The match, which ended in a draw during regular time, was decided through a dramatic penalty shootout that required 22 kicks to determine the winner. Gor Mahia’s goalkeeper, Gad Mathews, scored their final penalty, while Kitara FC’s Chrispus Kusima missed his decisive kick by hitting the post.
The Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium, whose construction began over five years ago under former Governor Cornel Rasanga, was completed by current Governor James Orengo.
During the event, President Ruto announced that the national government would collaborate with Siaya County to complete the stadium’s second phase.
“This stadium was started by Rasanga (Cornel), Orengo pushed it further, and now the relay has reached me. I want to assure you that the remaining work, including the canopy, will be completed by the national government,” Ruto stated.
The first phase included the construction of a VIP dais, the playing surface, installation of a tartan track, and seating across the terraces. The upcoming second phase will feature a canopy over the terraces, a modern media center, FIFA-approved lighting, enhanced parking, and other improvements.
Before Gor Mahia’s match, fans were treated to a friendly game between Bunge FC and the Siaya County Assembly team.
The stadium’s launch marked the conclusion of the three-day Piny Luo Festival, attended by President Ruto and Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni.
