President William Ruto has instructed that the newly constructed Wajir Stadium be renamed Ahmed Khalif Wajir Stadium to honor the late former Cabinet Minister Ahmed Mohammed Khalif.
The President made the announcement on Monday, June 1, during the 63rd Madaraka Day celebrations held in Wajir County, marking the first time in Kenya’s history that the national event has been hosted in the North Eastern region.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ruto promised residents that the facility would be completed to international standards before officially bearing the late leader’s name.
“I want to assure you that this stadium, which we have built within a short period of time, I will ensure that it is completed and upgraded to international standards,” he stated.
The Head of State mentioned that he had responded to requests from local leaders and residents wishing to have the stadium named after Ahmed Khalif, a respected political figure from the region.
“And once this stadium is completed, as you have requested, and I agree with you one hundred percent, this stadium will be named Ahmed Khalif Wajir Stadium,” Ruto declared.
The decision recognizes the legacy of Ahmed Khalif, the former Wajir West Member of Parliament who served as Minister for Labour and Manpower Development during President Mwai Kibaki’s administration.
He became the first Cabinet Minister from Wajir before his life was tragically ended in a plane crash in Busia on January 24, 2003, just three weeks after joining the Cabinet.
The renaming follows a proposal by Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, who had requested the national government to commemorate Khalif’s contribution to public service and regional development.
The 10,000-seater stadium, constructed by the Kenya Defence Forces in approximately three months, includes an artificial turf football pitch, an eight-lane running track, VIP lounges and modern spectator facilities.
The initiative is likely to preserve the memory of one of Northern Kenya’s most notable political leaders more than two decades after his passing.