Wajir Stadium to be named after late statesman Ahmed Khalif

The newly constructed Wajir Stadium will be named Ahmed Khalif Stadium in honour of the late prominent political and Muslim leader whose contributions left a lasting mark on Wajir County and the wider North Eastern region.

President William Ruto agreed to a request to rename the stadium in recognition of Ahmed Khalif’s legacy in public service, regional development, and his commitment to improving the lives of his community.

The announcement followed an appeal by Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi during the 63rd Madaraka Day celebrations held in Wajir on Monday, a historic occasion that marked the first time the national event was hosted in Northern Kenya.

Governor Abdullahi described Ahmed Khalif as a distinguished political leader, respected Muslim scholar, human rights advocate, and a strong voice for civic participation and social justice.

“It would be a befitting tribute for the people of Wajir to name this magnificent stadium the Ahmed Khalif Stadium,” the governor said while addressing the nation during the celebrations presided over by President Ruto.

The 10,000-capacity Ahmed Khalif Stadium

Responding to the request, the Head of State said he fully supported the proposal and acknowledged the calls from local leaders seeking to rename the sporting facility to honour Ahmed Khalif’s contribution to 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,” President Ruto announced to applause from residents and leaders in attendance.

Ahmed remains one of the most respected figures in Wajir’s political history. He served as Member of Parliament for Wajir West and was also the Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM), where he played a pivotal role in advancing the interests of the Muslim community in Kenya.

In January 2003, former President Mwai Kibaki appointed him Minister for Labour and Manpower Development, making him the first Cabinet Minister from Wajir County and only the second from the wider North Eastern region.

However, his tenure in the cabinet became one of the shortest in Kenya’s history. He died just 20 days after assuming office following a tragic plane crash in Busia on January 24, 2003 after attending a homecoming ceremony for the then Funyula Member of Parliament Moody Awori, who would later serve as Kenya’s Vice President.

Before boarding the flight back to Nairobi, Ahmed briefly delayed the plane’s departure after stepping out to perform prayers at a nearby mosque.

As SUPKEM Secretary General, his voice was unyielding in demanding respect, equality, and protection of Muslim rights. He also played an instrumental in the establishment of Iqra FM, Kenya’s premier Islamic radio station. The station has since become a vital platform for education, information dissemination, religious programming, and community engagement among Muslims across the country.

Following his death, Al Hajj Adan Wachu assumed the role of SUPKEM Secretary General serving under the chairmanship of Prof. Abdulghafur El-Busaidy until 2017.