Wamuzi News Ke
President William Ruto has issued an uncompromising directive for the immediate withdrawal of all police officers stationed on the contested Baba Dogo land in Nairobi, declaring the site must be returned to the public domain without delay.
The announcement came today during a public event launching the “Climate WorkX: Rehabilitating the Nairobi River” programme. President Ruto instructed Inspector General Douglas Kanja and Nairobi Regional Commander George Seda to vacate the land “with immediate effect”, warning that the administration would no longer tolerate illegal encroachment.
Clashes Erupt Amid Land Dispute
The decision follows a tense standoff on Wednesday, when police in riot gear were deployed ostensibly to oversee a planned demolition ordered by a private developer claiming legal ownership. Hundreds of defiant youth instead turned the land into a football pitch, resisting eviction and halting bulldozers from proceeding. No violence was reported, but tensions ran high as protests grew.
President Threatens Enforcement, Promises Stadium
With clear urgency in his remarks, President Ruto vowed to construct a public stadium on the reclaimed land to nurture local talent and ensure community use. He issued a stern warning to the developer: “Stop immediately or prepare to face us head-on. This will not be entertained.” The government will implement this decision swiftly, with no room for private usurpation.
What This Means
- Public reclamation: The disputed Baba Dogo parcel, currently used by the community for leisure, will remain accessible to residents.
- Government backing: Building a stadium signals long-term commitment to civic infrastructure and youth development in the area.
- Legal implications: The developer’s claim will be subject to legal review, but physical occupation of police is no longer permitted.
Rising Stakes and Wider Message
Analysts view Ruto’s action as more than a Nairobi event—it’s a signal to land grabbers across Kenya. Using state authority, the president reasserts that public land must not be appropriated by private interests, especially when backed by coercive means.
As clans of youths celebrate the police withdrawal, the nation now awaits formal legal rulings on land ownership, the staging of the stadium project, and whether this marks the start of a broader anti-encroachment campaign nationwide.
This bold move by President Ruto sets a vigorous precedent—on contested land, the people must prevail, and public safety reinforced over private ambition.
