Siaya’s ultra-modern state-of-the-art stadium is set to be named the “Cornel Amoth Rasanga Stadium” in honor of the first governor who spearheaded its construction.

The stadium, whose groundbreaking took place in November 2018, was initially projected to be completed within 44 weeks and handed over to the county government.

It stood as one of the flagship projects championed by the former governor, who passionately allocated resources towards its realization.

However, five years later, under the new administration led by Governor James Orengo, the facility is slated to be completed by August and officially inaugurated.

This stadium, built to FIFA standards, will stand as a unique landmark in the western region of Kenya.

Mole

Our mole within the county government revealed to Kondele News that the name was selected after extensive consultations with stakeholders.

While there were initial considerations to name the stadium after ODM leader Raila Odinga, it was noted that Homa Bay County Stadium already bore his name.

Various other names were proposed, including Ambrose Adeya Adongo(the late unionist), Barack Obama, Mama Sarah Obama, and Argwings Kodhek, among others.

However, Cornel Amoth Rasanga emerged as a prominent choice due to his leadership in initiating the stadium’s construction and his support for local talents during his tenure.

Despite being the first governor, Rasanga notably chose not to appeal a court ruling that overturned his initial election victory in 2013. Instead, he went directly to the people, showcasing his commitment to democratic principles.

Grand opening.

Preparations are underway for the grand opening of the stadium in August, with discussions ongoing to host either Mamelodi Sundowns or Orlando Pirates from South Africa, TP Mazembe from Congo, or Young Africans of Tanzania (popularly known as Yanga) for the inaugural match against Kenya Premier League legends Gor Mahia. The facility is expected to attract investors in sports and provide a platform for nurturing local talent.

Additionally, ahead of the main event, Bunge FC captain Otiende Amolo has expressed intentions to organize a match between MPs and another team.

Notable features of the stadium include a police station, six floodlights to facilitate night matches, and a section for athletics covered with tartan.

The new contractor has shown commendable dedication, working tirelessly to ensure timely completion of the project. A recent visit by Kondele News confirmed significant progress, with a majority of Kenyan youths employed in the construction.

With completion estimated at 80 percent, the “Cornel Rasanga Amoth Stadium” is poised to become a reality in the near future.