This archive report was first published on 10 July 2019.
Nairobi Senator Johnson Sakaja has called on the government to rename Nyayo National Stadium in honour of soccer legend Joe Kadenge, who left an indelible mark on Kenyan football.
Speaking in the Senate on July 9, 2019, Sakaja said Kadenge deserved the greatest honour the country could give him, and renaming the stadium after him would be a fitting tribute.
"Joe Kadenge has left a vacuum that can never be filled, but again he has left a mark in football that is worth respect. The national government should therefore, in honour of this great man, name Nyayo Stadium Joe Kadenge International Stadium," Sakaja said.
The senator also proposed renaming City Stadium in Nairobi if the national government hesitated to honour Kadenge through Nyayo Stadium.
"Naming a stadium after Kadenge is a great honour because it immortalises his name, if the national government is not willing, then we in Nairobi will first rename City Stadium because it is under Nairobi county government," Sakaja added.
His proposal was supported by Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang'ula, who described Kadenge as a football legend comparable to the likes of Thierry Henry, Christiano Ronaldo, and Lionel Messi.
Senate Minority leader James Orengo also weighed in on the matter, saying Kadenge was an inspiration to many young footballers in the country and spent time nurturing their talents.
