Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has assured residents of Baba Dogo and the larger Ruaraka constituency that the contested Baba Dogo Grounds will be returned to the community.Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsSpeaking on Sunday in Ruaraka, Sakaja emphasized that the County Government will not allow thousands of youth to be locked out of the vital sports facility following its repossession by Kenafric Industries.##NAJAVA_MECA_8996625##“I understand the Baba Dogo Ground issue very well,” Sakaja said. “It’s a matter I have followed closely since my time as your Senator, so it is not new to me.”Sakaja acknowledged that Kenafric had won the legal battle over the land but promised a solution that would safeguard access to the playground.“Kenafric did win the ownership case in court, but here is what we are going to do. We will either negotiate with them so the county can buy the land and retain it as a public playground, or we will find them alternative land. What is certain is that our players will not be kicked out of that ground,” he assured.The odds Kenya Police FC defied to dethrone Gor Mahia, land maiden league crown in 2024/25 seasonThe closure of the facility sparked outrage, especially from the sporting community.Among those who voiced their frustration is the 2023/24 season’s Most Valuable Player Austine Odhiambo, who began his football journey at Baba Dogo Grounds and still helps train young players from Lucky Summer, where he resides.“The only hope we had in our community has just gone like that because of some selfish people. This young generation was the future of our community,” Odhiambo wrote on Facebook.Residents were caught off guard after Kenafric Industries moved in to occupy the land under heavy police protection, marking yet another chapter in the long-running dispute between the company and the community.How hiding behind Ulinzi Complex couches saved Zico from angry Gor Mahia fans (VIDEO)This is not the first time the land has faced demolitions.In 2022, Kenafric issued a gazette notice giving residents three months to vacate.The attempt was thwarted by protests and political intervention, leading to a court case.In 2023, the Environment and Land Court ruled in favor of Kenafric in case E093 of 2023, granting the company eviction rights after the defendants failed to respond to the court application.The Court also directed Ruaraka Police Station to assist in enforcing the eviction.Government completes Ksh6.7 billion renovation of Kasarani Stadium [VIDEO]Since then, residents of Baba Dogo, Lucky Summer, and Korogocho, who are the main users of the facility, have taken to the streets in protest.Baba Dogo Grounds has been a key sports hub for nurturing local football talent.Players like Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga, Kenya Police’s Tyson Otieno, and Gor Mahia’s Joshua Onyango all launched their careers on that pitch.How building a home for parents fuels AFC Leopards defender’s discipline
