A senior journalist eyeing the Chevaywa Ward Member of County Assembly (MCA) seat in the 2027 General Election has proposed that Panpaper Grounds in Lugari Ward be renamed Burudi Nabwera Stadium.
Dennis Sabuni Wanyonyi, a former Voice of America (VOA) sports journalist, wants the facility named after the late Burudi Nabwera, Kenya’s first ambassador to the United States and the first member of parliament for Lugari Constituency.
Wanyonyi said the grounds have enough space to be upgraded into a modern stadium capable of hosting major sporting events, including Kenya Premier League matches and international fixtures.
He noted that Panpaper Grounds’ strategic location and room for expansion make it better suited for the project than Matete Stadium.
“I am proposing that Panpaper Grounds be named after the late Burudi Nabwera, the former Kenyan ambassador to the United States. The grounds should be expanded and fully renovated because of their central location. People from Likuyani, Matete, and parts of Malava Constituency can easily access the facility,” Wanyonyi said.
He also called for balanced sports development across the sub-region. Referring to efforts by Malava Municipality to establish a sports academy, he argued that Lugari should receive comparable investment to nurture local talent.
“If Malava can have an opportunity to establish a sports academy, then Lugari should also benefit from sports development. We need a modern sporting facility equipped with amenities such as a swimming pool, and it should be named Burudi Nabwera Stadium,” he said.
Wanyonyi expressed hope that the proposal would win the backing of leaders and other stakeholders. He said the transformation of Panpaper Grounds would honor Nabwera’s legacy while creating opportunities for young people across the region.
