In a statement issued by the Office of the Governor, Kisumu Governor Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o described the move as a historical act and a deeply fitting tribute to a leader whose life was dedicated to the fight for democracy, justice, and the soul of Kenya.

The soon-to-be-completed stadium, with a seating capacity of 60,000, will now be known as Raila Amolo Odinga International Stadium, ensuring that Odinga’s “story, sacrifice, and values are immortalized into the consciousness of every future generation of Kenyans,” the Governor noted.

Governor Nyong’o highlighted Raila Odinga’s lifelong advocacy, saying:

“The Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga’s struggle for the Second Liberation, the 2010 Constitution, and his lifelong advocacy for devolution are foundational pillars of modern Kenya.”

Describing the symbolic importance of the stadium, the Governor said: “A stadium is a place of aspiration, unity, and national pride. By attaching the name of ‘Baba’ to this colossal structure, we are sending a powerful message that the spirit of struggle for human rights and political tolerance are central to the Kenyan identity.”

The stadium, according to the statement, will not only serve as a venue for sports but also as a perpetual monument to a Prime Minister who always put country before self.

It is intended to inspire both athletes and artists, reminding them of the heights one can reach through tenacity and belief in the people.

Governor Nyong’o concluded by urging Kenyans to celebrate the historic gesture:

“I urge all Kenyans to embrace this historic decision in the spirit of togetherness and national cohesion.”

The official opening of the Raila Amolo Odinga International Stadium is eagerly anticipated, with celebrations expected to highlight the spirit of national pride and unity.

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In a detailed clarification, his son Jaoko Oburu explained that the decision for Oburu to travel was a collective family push, not a medical emergency, amid swirling rumours on social media suggesting otherwise.

“It’s been a beehive of activity for the family, and especially now, our leader, the Honorable Dr. Oburu Oginga,” Jaoko said in a video message shared online.

“We’ve had functions all over the place to condole with our people, the population of wananchi, for Baba, in Homa Bay, in Migori, and everywhere. And we also had ODM at 20.”

Since Raila’s death in October, Oburu has carried enormous political and family responsibilities, overseeing funeral arrangements, meeting supporters across the country, and later presiding over the ODM @20 celebrations, where he was formally unveiled as party leader.

Jaoko said that in the rush to manage national mourning and party affairs, the family realised Oburu had barely had time to process his own grief.

“We realized that the party leader had not even had a minute to mourn his own brother,” he explained.

“Therefore, as a family, we really insisted that he needed a break, which we made sure that last week, on Thursday, he took this break and went to Dubai. He didn’t want to go very far.”

He stressed that Oburu’s trip was not driven by a health scare.

“Hakuenda na shida yoyote,” Jaoko assured supporters. “We took mzee to go and rest. We forced him… we forced him that he has to take a break.”

According to the family, the ODM leader is expected back in the country after a short stay.

“He’s there, he’ll be back tomorrow,” Jaoko said, adding that the brief time away was meant to allow him to recollect, recharge, and reset” after weeks of intense political and emotional pressure.

However, even as Oburu takes time off, the family has been struck by yet another loss.

“Unfortunately, again, we’ve had another loss in the family,” Jaoko revealed.

“We have our aunt, our beloved aunt, who is the fifth born in my father’s family. She’s known as Beryl Achieng Odinga. We lost her yesterday, in the early afternoon.”

The double strain of national expectations and private grief has put the Odinga family under intense public scrutiny, with Oburu’s every move analysed for political meaning.

Some online commentators had speculated that his Dubai trip was prompted by serious illness or internal ODM power struggles.

But the family has been categorical that the ODM boss is well and will return to continue leading the party.

An earlier statement from his sister Ruth Odinga also framed the trip as a normal, necessary pause:

“ODM Party Leader Oburu Oginga has travelled to Dubai for a three-day visit to rest following a hectic political period,” Ruth said, noting his non-stop schedule since Raila’s death and the ODM anniversary event.

On social media, an X post linked to Oburu’s camp echoed the same message of reassurance: “Feeling grateful for good health and high spirits. Taking a short sabbatical to recollect, recharge, and reset.”

As debates over ODM’s future and succession politics continue, the Oburu family is urging Kenyans to see this moment not as a crisis, but as a human pause.

For them, the short getaway is less about strategy and more about allowing “mzee” a rare moment of rest, and space to mourn a brother who was also the political giant at the centre of their lives.

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