Ruto, Raila donate Sh3 million to Gor Mahia FC and Kitara FC

President William Ruto with Ugandan counterpart Yoweri Museveni, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and other leaders during a football match at Jaramogi Odinga Stadium, Siaya County on January 2, 2025/PCS

President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga have donated Sh3 million to Gor Mahia FC and Uganda’s Kitara FC.

Speaking at the newly launched Jaramogi Odinga Stadium in Siaya on Thursday, Ruto said the money was donated at the request of host Governor James Orengo.

“Baba ametoa shillingi milioni moja na mimi nimetoa shillingi milioni mbili, hawa teams wawili wagawane kwa sababu wamecheza vizuri sana,” he said.

This is loosely translated to “Baba has given Sh1 million while I have given another two million so that these two teams can share... they have played well.”

Earlier on while launching the Stadium, Ruto emphasised the importance of such a facility in fostering collaboration and integration among African nations.

"We are going beyond our boundaries to promote multinational sports competitions so as to deepen cross-border harmony, boost talent exchange and enhance regional integration," Ruto said.

The President announced that the government will take over the remaining construction of the stadium.

"The remaining work of completing this project including the canopy will be done by the national government until its completion," he said.

Upon completion, the stadium will be able to hold 20,000 spectators. 

The donation comes after Ruto promised to build a Sh100 million fish landing site in Siaya County during the closing of the Piny Luo Cultural Festival.

He said the investment would spur the region’s fishing economy by supporting the local community.

“As part of carrying this culture and tradition to the next level, we will build a fish landing site at a cost of Sh100 million to support the fishing community,” he said.

“As we celebrate this culture, we know that culture is evolving.”

Ruto and Raila were accompanied by Uganda President Yoweri Museveni.