President William Ruto has ordered the immediate withdrawal of police officers stationed at a contested piece of land in Baba Dogo, Nairobi.
Speaking on Thursday during the launch of the Climate WorkX: Rehabilitating the Nairobi River programme, the President directed Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and Nairobi Regional Commander George Seda to ensure the officers leave the area without delay.
“I heard there are police officers deployed on that land. I want to direct that they immediately vacate the premises. That land belongs to the public, and this directive should be implemented with immediate effect,” Ruto stated.
The Head of State strongly criticised the unnamed private developer accused of attempting to illegally take over the land, warning that the government would not tolerate such actions.
Further, Ruto promised the residents of the affected area that the government will construct a stadium on the piece of land to help develop local talents and ensure effective utilisation of the property.
“We will come to construct a stadium on that piece of land,” he said, reiterating the government’s commitment to protecting public property from illegal encroachment.
“To the developer who wants to grab that land, be warned, three things are waiting for you. Stop immediately or prepare to face us head-on. This will not be entertained,” the President added.
The ownership of the contested land has been the subject of a dispute, with the developer claiming rightful ownership of the property over the past few months.
On Wednesday, tensions escalated after a standoff broke out between police officers and members of the public. Most of the officers, clad in anti-riot gear, had been deployed to oversee the planned demolition and takeover of the land.
However, hundreds of youth defied orders to vacate and instead remained on the grounds, staging a peaceful resistance.
Videos and images obtained by Kenyans.co.ke showed the youth playing football and engaging in other recreational activities on the pitch, seemingly unfazed by the heavy police presence.
The officers, unable to act due to the defiant crowd, watched from a distance as bulldozers stood by awaiting clearance to begin demolitions.
Despite the heightened tension, no demolition took place, and the operation was halted.
