President William Ruto has approved the renaming of the newly constructed Wajir Stadium to Ahmed Khalif Wajir Stadium in honor of the late former Wajir West Member of Parliament and Cabinet Minister, Ahmed Khalif.
The announcement was made during the 63rd Madaraka Day celebrations held in Wajir County after Governor Ahmed Abdullahi formally requested that the facility be named after the late leader in recognition of his contribution to the region and the country.
Addressing the national celebrations, the Governor said the stadium would serve as a lasting tribute to a leader who played a significant role in advancing the interests of the people of Northern Kenya at the national level.
“It would be a befitting tribute for the people of Wajir to name this magnificent stadium the Ahmed Khalif Stadium,” said Abdullahi.
The Governor noted that Ahmed Khalif’s leadership and dedication to public service had inspired many leaders in the region. He recalled his personal association with the late politician, describing him as a mentor who influenced his entry into politics.
“I am an accidental politician. I engaged in politics for the first time in 2002 not to contest but to help Ahmed Khalif, a man I admired, reclaim his seat as his campaign manager,” he said.
In response, President Ruto endorsed the proposal and confirmed that the facility would officially bear the name of the late leader.
“I will make sure that it is complete and is built to international standards. I agree with you that this stadium should be called Ahmed Khalif Wajir Stadium,” the president said.
The president’s remarks not only confirmed the renaming but also reaffirmed the national government’s commitment to completing the sports facility and upgrading it to international standards.
The decision was received positively by residents and leaders attending the celebrations, with many describing it as a fitting recognition of a leader whose contribution to public service continues to be remembered across the region.
Ahmed Khalif served as the member of Parliament for Wajir West and later became the first Cabinet Minister from Northern Kenya under former President Mwai Kibaki. His appointment to the Cabinet was widely regarded as a milestone in enhancing the region’s representation in national governance.
However, his political career was cut short in January 2003 when he died in a plane crash shortly after being sworn in as Minister for Labour.
More than two decades later, the naming of the county’s flagship sports facility after him is expected to preserve his legacy and ensure future generations remember his contribution to leadership, representation, and development.
With the president’s approval, the stadium will officially be known as Ahmed Khalif Wajir Stadium, cementing the late leader’s place in the history of Wajir County and the nation.
By Hamdi Buthul
