President William Ruto stepped in to resolve the escalating dispute over the Baba Dogo grounds in Ruaraka, Nairobi, ordering an immediate withdrawal of police officers stationed at the contested site.
This is however expected to return to court as the owners of the land in dispute say they have genuine documents for the same.
Speaking during his inspection of the Climate Worx programme in Ruaraka on Thursday, Ruto ordered a halt to the ongoing construction intended by Kenafric Industries.
“I hear that there are police officers present in that field.
I am giving a directive that the police officers must leave the field immediately.
They should vacate the area because that field belongs to the citizens,” he said.
“This is not something to be done tomorrow; the police must leave now.
The field is the rightful property of the people, and we have agreed to develop it for their benefit.”
The directive comes as relief to residents of Baba Dogo, Lucky Summer, and Korogocho, who have been engaged in a tense standoff with Kenafric Industries, the company claiming ownership of the land.
The grounds, popularly known as Baba Dogo playground, have long been a vital sports hub in the area, nurturing local football talents including Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga and Gor Mahia’s duo of Joshua Onyango and Austin Odhiambo.
Earlier last month, Kenafric Industries insisted it is the lawful and registered owner of the land, designated as land reference number 336/109.
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