Ruto directs return of Baba Dogo playground to local community
President William Ruto has ordered the return of the Baba Dogo playground, which has been the subject of a long-running dispute over ownership with the local community.
The playground located along Lucky Summer Baba Dogo Road in Nairobi, which produced talents such as Michael Olunga, Austin Odhiambo, Tyson Otieno, and Collins Okoth, has been at the centre of a protracted legal and emotional battle between Kenafric Group and area residents.
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While Kenafric maintains legal ownership of the parcel officially known as Land Reference Number 336/109, the local community has long used the site as a football ground and recreational space.
Kenafric Group had defended its claim to the land in June 2025, citing a 1996 acquisition, a lease extension in 2004, and a 2014 transfer to Kenafric Properties Limited.
The company further stated that the Environment and Land Court upheld its ownership in Case ELCE093 of 2023.
The head of state, speaking during his tour of Baba Dogo on Thursday, July 17, 2025, 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,” he said.
Playground clash
This comes months after Baba Dogo residents clashed with police on Friday, June 14, 2025, as they tried to salvage their belongings following an eviction from the Baba Dogo playground.
The residents alleged that the evictions were part of a targeted land grab by a private firm. However, the police stated that they were enforcing a court order directing the residents to vacate the land.
Tensions flared as residents engaged police in running battles while trying to rescue what was left of their homes.
Many said they would move to court to seek an injunction to stop any development on the contested land until their case is heard.
“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,” Baba Dogo MCA Geophry Majiwa said.
Director of Glorious Junior Centre, Beatrice Auma, expressed shock over the sudden demolition of the school.
“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 said.
