President William Ruto has issued a firm directive for police officers to immediately withdraw from a piece of disputed land in Baba Dogo, Nairobi.
While speaking on Thursday during the official launch of the Climate WorkX: Rehabilitating the Nairobi River initiative, President Ruto ordered Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and Nairobi Regional Commander George Seda to ensure that all law enforcement officers currently stationed on the land leave without delay.
“I’ve been informed that police officers are currently deployed to that land. I am instructing that they vacate the area immediately. That land is public property, and my order must be enforced right away,” the President declared.
President Ruto condemned the unnamed private developer who has been accused of trying to illegally claim the public land. He warned that the government will not allow the illegal grabbing of property that rightfully belongs to the people.
He further reassured the residents that the government plans to build a modern stadium on the land to promote youth talent and ensure the space is used in a way that benefits the community.
“We are planning to build a stadium right there. It will serve the youth and help develop local talent,” Ruto said, underlining his administration’s dedication to protecting public land from illegal takeovers.
“To the so-called developer who is attempting to take over that land, let this be a serious warning: three things await you. Either stop your actions now, or be ready for a direct confrontation. We will not let this go unchallenged,” he warned.
The land in question has been at the center of an ongoing ownership dispute. For months, the developer has maintained that they hold the legal rights to the property.
On Wednesday, the situation escalated dramatically after a confrontation erupted between police and local residents. Dozens of officers wearing anti-riot gear were deployed to the area to supervise a planned demolition and takeover of the property.
However, hundreds of young people from the neighborhood refused to vacate the land. Instead, they held their ground peacefully, turning the area into a scene of quiet defiance. Many were seen playing football and engaging in recreational activities, showing no signs of fear despite the intimidating police presence.
Videos and photos shared by Kenyans.co.ke captured the defiant mood on the ground. Youths could be seen enjoying themselves on the pitch while the police officers stood by, seemingly unable to take action.
Heavy machinery, including bulldozers, were stationed nearby, ready to begin demolition, but were unable to proceed due to the peaceful resistance. As a result, no demolition occurred, and the operation was brought to a standstill.
President Ruto’s intervention has now put a temporary halt to the standoff, with his order demanding an immediate end to the police presence and reaffirming that the land belongs to the public.
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