This archive report was first published on 25 June 2020.
On June 24th, 2020, Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed commissioned the construction of a new 20,000-seater stadium at the grounds of ASK Mamboleo show ground in Kisumu, Kenya.
The stadium, which will be built at a cost of Sh350 million, is expected to be completed in six months. The project is part of the government's efforts to improve infrastructure and sporting facilities in the country.
However, Atheists in Kenya have opposed the move to rename the stadium after Jomo Kenyatta, the country's founding father. They argue that Jomo Kenyatta's name is not fitting enough for the stadium, and instead suggest that it be named after Achieng Oneko, a freedom fighter who was arrested by the British colonial government in 1952.
According to Atheists Society of Kenya President Harrison Mumia, the country never realized 'Unity among ALL Kenyans' under Jomo Kenyatta's reign. Mumia argued that Achieng Oneko's name is better suited for the stadium because of her contributions to the country's fight for independence.
CS Amina Mohamed, however, defended the decision to name the stadium after Jomo Kenyatta, saying that it was the president's will. She also renamed the historic Jomo Kenyatta sports ground after Kenya's first Vice President, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.
