President William Ruto and African Union Candidate (AUC) candidate Raila Odinga donated millions of shillings to Kenyan giants Gor Mahia and Ugandan side Kitara FC.The two sides faced each other in an exhibition match to mark the launch of the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium in Siaya.President Ruto announced that he will donate Kshs 2 million for the two teams while Odinga will donate Ksh 1 million. ##NAJAVA_MECA_8605367##This means that the two teams will each walk home Ksh 1.5 million richer.With the match ending in a stalemate in regular time, the winner had to be decided through the post-match penalties.It took 22 kicks to get the winner. President Ruto, Museveni and Raila watch as Gor Mahia beat Ugandan side at Siaya StadiumGor custodian Gad Mathews scored their last penalty while his Kitara counterpart Chrispus Kusima hit the post with the last kick of the game.The stadium whose construction started under the first Governor of Siaya, Cornel Rasanga over five years ago was completed by current Governor James Orengo. The county and national governments are set to join hands in completing phase two of the facility.”This stadium was started by Rasanga (Cornel). Orengo came in and pushed it to where it is and now the relay has reached me. I want to announce that the work that is remaining here including the canopy will be done by the national government until its completion,” announced Ruto.The first phase saw the construction of a VIP dais, the playing surface, and the installation of a tartan track and seats across the terraces.AFC Leopards’ 2024: A mixed bag of hope and challengesThe second phase will include a canopy in the terraces section, a modern media center, FIFA-approved lighting, and enhanced parking among others.Prior to Gor Mahia’s match, members of the public were also entertained by a match between Bunge FC and Siaya County Assembly.The opening of the stadium marked the end of the 3-day Piny Luo festival where President Ruto and his Ugandan Counterpart Yoweri Museveni were in attendance.
