Kabogo plan to rename Ruiru stadium after Ruto draws mixed reactions

Ruiru Stadium in Kiambu County, which is being renovated. Residents have given mixed reactions over the recent proposal by Governor Kabogo to rename Ruiru stadium after Deputy President William Ruto as local leaders steered clear of the issue. PHOTO | MARY WAMBUI | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Residents interviewed by Nation were opposed to the idea of renaming the Ruiru stadium after the Deputy President.
  • Several leaders declined to comment on the issue and added that the governor was using Mr Ruto's name for political mileage.

Residents of Ruiru in Kiambu County have given mixed reactions over the recent proposal by Governor William Kabogo to rename Ruiru Stadium after Deputy President William Ruto as local leaders steered clear of the issue.

On Sunday, Governor Kabogo asked Ruiru residents to agree to rename the stadium 'William Samoei Ruto Stadium' on condition that he (DP Ruto) would participate in equipping it once completed.

Speaking to Nation on Wednesday, the director of a talent academy based in Ruiru, Mr Waweru, welcomed the idea describing it as a good way to express gratitude for Mr Ruto’s support to the Jubilee government.

"The DP has been a key player in the fulfilment of the Jubilee agenda. He is also a key force in unifying Kenyans and can thus be considered as a symbol of unity amongst Kenyans and its future generations," Mr Waweru said.

OPPOSED TO RENAMING

However, Mr Francis Ngugi, chairman of Ruiru Roundabout Motorbike Group, said that the Deputy President did not deserve such an honour because he did not contribute towards development of the stadium.

"I am against it. This is a political move by the governor to endear himself towards the Deputy President. 

"Social amenities should only be named after heroes," said Mr Ngugi.

Mr Wilson Kamau, a Ruiru resident, also felt the stadium should only be named after someone who has made a major contribution towards the town’s development.

He was, however, quick to point out that Mr Ruto is a charismatic leader but his name should not be used by the governor for political mileage.

Deputy President William Ruto (right) and Kiambu Governor William Kabogo in Chepng'osos, Kericho. PHOTO | REBECCA NDUKU | DPPS

CARELESS UTTERANCE

"The governor made a careless utterance against DP Ruto.

"It's high time that we as Ruiru residents realised that the era of naming projects after individuals for selfish gain is gone," said Mr Kamau.

Ruiru MP Esther Gathogo and Nominated Cord MP Isaac Mwaura, who is currently seeking to oust Ms Gathogo, opted to steer clear of the matter saying the issue is too sensitive to comment on.

Nonetheless, Ruiru Town MCA Joe Mutuga said that he shall wait to see what the governor's formal proposal shall entail before issuing a statement.

"Naming a stadium after an individual requires the approval of the county assembly, we can neither agree nor disagree with him before reading the contents of the proposal," Mr Mutuga said.

Gituamba Ward MCA also felt it was too early to comment on the issue but noted that such recognitions are only awarded persons whose contribution to society has been remarkable.

(Editing by Joel Muinde)