President William Ruto has announced that Wajir Stadium will be renamed Ahmed Khalif Stadium in honour of the late Wajir West Member of Parliament, recognising his contribution to the region’s development and public service.
Speaking during the Madaraka Day celebrations in Wajir county on Monday, the President said the move was aimed at preserving the legacy of the late legislator, who was widely respected for his leadership and commitment to improving the lives of residents.
His announcement came after Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi used the national Madaraka Day celebrations to honour two leaders he said played a significant role in shaping both his political journey and Kenya's devolution agenda.
Addressing thousands of residents and dignitaries during the 63rd Madaraka Day celebrations presided over by President Ruto, Governor Abdullahi paid glowing tribute to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and former Cabinet Minister Ahmed Khalif, describing them as influential figures whose contributions deserve lasting recognition
The governor said Raila Odinga was a steadfast champion of devolution and had a special attachment to Wajir County, which he visited numerous times during his political career.
"Among the many people I wish were alive to celebrate this great occasion with us are two great men: the late Raila Amollo Odinga, my former party leader, and the late Minister Ahmed Khalif. The late Raila was a true believer in devolution and was fond of Wajir County, which he visited on numerous occasions," Abdullahi said.
The governor reserved special praise for Khalif, revealing that his entry into politics was inspired by the former minister, whom he served as campaign manager during the 2002 elections.
He described Khalif as a distinguished political leader, human rights advocate and religious scholar who served as Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) for 22 years.
"I am an accidental politician. I engaged in politics for the first time in 2002, not to contest but to help the late Ahmed Khalif recapture his seat as his campaign manager," he said.
In what emerged as one of the key proposals of his speech, Abdullahi appealed to President Ruto to immortalise Khalif's legacy by renaming the newly constructed Wajir Stadium after him.
"It will be a befitting tribute in his remembrance to name this magnificent stadium the Hon Ahmed Khalif Stadium," the governor said.
The governor also used the occasion to commend President Ruto for establishing the Wajir State Lodge, describing it as a transformative symbol of inclusion and national integration for Northern Kenya.
"By placing a permanent seat of presidential presence here in Wajir, Your Excellency, you have brought the highest office of the Republic closer to our people. In many ways, you have become our resident '001'."
Abdullahi urged the President to make history by convening the first Cabinet meeting at the facility.
"I look forward to your holding of the first Cabinet meeting at Wajir State Lodge. This landmark institution is more than a building. It is a declaration that Wajir matters, that Northern Kenya matters, and that every corner of this Republic matters equally," he said.
The governor said hosting Madaraka Day in Wajir marked a historic turning point for the county and the wider North Eastern region, symbolising their growing integration into Kenya's national development agenda.
He lauded President Ruto for rotating national celebrations across different regions and for choosing Wajir to host the national event, saying the decision had helped shift perceptions of the region from one associated with marginalisation to one recognised for its strategic importance and development potential.
Abdullahi also highlighted the gains made through devolution, particularly in healthcare, infrastructure and economic development, noting that Wajir had witnessed significant investments ahead of the celebrations, including the construction of the new stadium, road upgrades, airport improvements and affordable housing projects.
He concluded by inviting visitors to experience Wajir's culture, hospitality and investment opportunities, expressing confidence that the county's future was already unfolding.
"Do not wait for the future of Wajir to arrive," he said. "Become part of it. Invest in it. Built into it. Grow with it. Because the future of Wajir is already unfolding."
