Gor Mahia midfielder and reigning FKF Premier League Most Valuable Player, Austin Odhiambo, has expressed his heartfelt appreciation to President William Ruto for intervening in the dispute over the ownership and demolition of the historic Baba Dogo football grounds.Follow Our WhatsApp Channel For More News The President, during a public address in Dandora last week, while inspecting the Nairobi Water rehabilitation project, issued a firm directive halting the demolition of the pitch.##NAJAVA_MECA_9023941##The ground had recently come under threat from Kenafric Industries, which cited legal ownership and had initiated steps to reclaim the space for private development.In his remarks, President Ruto underscored the government’s commitment to protecting public sporting infrastructure and promised to upgrade the pitch to modern standards for youth development and community use.”I hear there is someone who wants to take over your football pitch. I want to tell the person or persons involved to leave the ground for the public and residents of Baba Dogo. If they have an issue, they should come face-to-face with me,” said the President.“I also hear police officers have been deployed to guard the pitch. I hereby order them out immediately. This pitch belongs to the community, and I will ensure a modern ground is built for the youth here,” he added.Kenyan-born Romanian vying for top World Athletics seatShortly after the president’s pronouncement, Odhiambo shared a message of gratitude in a video taken at the grounds, now free from police presence, acknowledging the swift action taken by the head of state.”I want to thank the President for keeping his word. We made a request yesterday, and I am glad he followed through and directed the stoppage of the demolition. As a community, we are grateful. I also wish to thank FKF President Mr. Hussein Mohamed and all others who played a role,” said Odhiambo.Harambee Stars pull out of Four-Nation tournamentThe tussle over the ownership of the Baba Dogo grounds dates back to 2022, when Kenafric Industries issued a gazette notice referencing land title LR NO. 336/109 and demanded the community vacate within 90 days.However, the move was fiercely resisted by residents, who held protests and sought political support.In 2023, the Environment and Land Court, under case EO93 of 2023, ruled in favour of Kenafric after the community failed to file a defence.That decision gave the company legal grounds to evict the residents and take over the pitch.Shadrack Maluki elected new NOC-K presidentAttempts to enforce the court order began in mid-June this year, reigniting public outcry and concern over the loss of one of Nairobi’s most iconic grassroots football venues.The Baba Dogo grounds hold deep significance within Kenyan football.The pitch has been a breeding ground for some of the country’s most accomplished players, including national team captain Michael Olunga, Austin Odhiambo, former league MVP Joshua Onyango, and Kenya Police FC winger Tyson Odongo.Prominent Kenyan lawyer offers millions to Arsenal to sign GyokeresBeyond football, the grounds have served as a vital recreational and communal space for residents of Baba Dogo, Korogocho, Lucky Summer, and surrounding neighbourhoods.The pitch is not only a symbol of grassroots development but also a lifeline for thousands of youth seeking opportunity through sport.
