NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto has issued a direct order for the return of the Baba Dogo playground, a site at the heart of a prolonged ownership dispute with the local community.
The decision, announced during his tour of Baba Dogo on Thursday, July 17, 2025, aims to resolve a contentious issue that has pitted residents against a private entity.
The playground, situated along Lucky Summer Baba Dogo Road in Nairobi, holds significant community value, having nurtured prominent football talents such as Michael Olunga, Austin Odhiambo, Tyson Otieno, and Collins Okoth.
For years, the parcel, officially known as Land Reference Number 336/109, has been the subject of a protracted legal and emotional battle. While Kenafric Group maintains legal ownership, the local community has consistently utilized the site as a vital football ground and recreational space.
In June 2025, Kenafric Group had publicly defended its claim to the land, citing an acquisition dating back to 1996, a lease extension granted in 2004, and a subsequent transfer to Kenafric Properties Limited in 2014. The company further asserted that the Environment and Land Court had upheld its ownership in Case ELCE093 of 2023.
Despite these legal claims, the Head of State directed security agencies guarding the property to stand down and exit the premises.
“I have heard that someone is taking your playground. I want to tell the person who wants to take this playground to leave the playground to the residents. I have ordered the police to retreat from the playground because that field belongs to the public. We will come to build on that land,” President Ruto declared.
Previous clashes and community outcry
This presidential directive comes months after a tense confrontation on Friday, June 14, 2025, when Baba Dogo residents clashed with police while attempting to salvage belongings following an eviction from the very same playground.
Residents at the time alleged that the evictions were part of a targeted land grab by a private firm. Conversely, police maintained that they were enforcing a valid court order directing residents to vacate the land.
Tensions escalated during the June incident as residents engaged police in running battles, striving to rescue what remained of their homes and properties. Many had vowed to seek a court injunction to halt any development on the contested land until their case could be fully heard.
Baba Dogo MCA Geophry Majiwa voiced the community’s suspicions during the earlier clash: “It seems like someone has taken over this playground and is using the police to demolish the structures at the front to gain access. This demolition shows they are targeting the field.” Beatrice Auma, Director of Glorious Junior Centre, expressed shock over the sudden demolition of the school located within the disputed area.
“This morning, we found the school demolished. We were given no notice. We felt vulnerable and had to evacuate the children because police were throwing teargas,” she recounted.
President Ruto’s latest directive signals a significant shift in the dispute, aligning the government with the community’s long-standing claims over the recreational space.
