Makadara MP George Aladwa, on Wednesday, July 1, stated that he had engaged the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), following a raging war over the control of Camp Toyoyo football ground in Nairobi's Jericho estate.
The stadium's management team, that served under the former area MP Benson Mutura had allegedly refused to hand over prompting Aladwa to seek the help of the DCI.
“I have even written to the DCI over the same matter because really, they are using a public facility to their own benefit and it is not fair at all,” the Makadara MP stated.
However, a member of the board alleged Aladwa was trying to take over the pitch unlawfully.
The wrangles have led to the pitch being left a dilapidated state in dire need of refurbishment.
“We had a properly laid out a maintenance plan and the turf was supposed to be replaced this year. I, however, handed over everything to the current office and I am not sure why the pitch is not in good shape, I cannot speak on their behalf as I am no longer the area MP,” former area MP Mutura told the Daily Nation.
Reports revealed that Aladwa had proposed several names that would constitute the new committee including Kenya Internationals Victor Onyango and Victor George Waweru.
He lamented that his attempts to take up control were thwarted despite invoking the intervention of Deputy County Commissioner Fredrick Ndunga.
Aladwa further revealed that his hands were tied and that he could not fund the re-carpeting of the pitch.
"The official Camp Toyoyo Project Management Committee bank account has over Ksh1 million in it but we cannot use the funds even for the slightest of repairs because the staff that were there before I was appointed have refused to vacate office despite all my efforts,” he claimed.
The formerly dusty Camp Toyoyo grounds prides itself on being only the third stadium to be laid with artificial turf in the country, after the City Stadium and Moi Stadium in Kisumu.
The refurbishment of the stadium is said to have cost an amount in the region of Ksh90 million.
The upgrade came under the commissioning of FIFA and the local community also taking part in the initiative to aid young talents in honing their soccer skills further.
The previous dusty playing surface was replaced by an elegant artificial turf, changing rooms and floodlights with field markings and rubber spreading.
