Austin Odhiambo's heartfelt plea to President William Ruto after Zambia win

Gor Mahia midfielder and reigning FKF Premier League Most Valuable Player (MVP), Austin Odhiambo, made an emotional appeal to President William Ruto to intervene in the long-standing battle over the Baba Dogo grounds.

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The midfielder submitted his plea after Kenya’s 1-0 victory over Zambia in their final CHAN 2024 pool match on Sunday, 17 August, at the Kasarani Stadium. President Ruto had visited the Harambee Stars’ changing room to congratulate the team when Odhiambo took the opportunity to raise the issue.

“I have one request, Mr. President....our grounds, they are still disturbing us,” Odhiambo said.

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In response, the Head of State reassured the playmaker and his teammates that his government would act.

“I will sort it out, that is your grounds. I will sort it, don’t worry. Even if it’s paying, I will pay it. That is your grounds, and I will make sure it is done,” President Ruto affirmed.

On Monday, 21 July, while inspecting the Nairobi Water rehabilitation project, the President issued a firm directive halting any planned demolition of the pitch. Despite that, from Odhiambo’s plea, it is clear that the long-standing battle is far from over.

The Baba Dogo grounds have been at the heart of a heated ownership tussle pitting the local community against Kenafric Industries.

The company claims legal ownership, referencing the title deed LR NO. 336/109, and in 2022, issued a 90-day eviction notice to residents. The notice sparked protests, with the community mobilising political support to resist the move.

In 2023, however, the Environment and Land Court (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 reclaim the land and evict the residents. Enforcement efforts began in mid-June this year, triggering public outcry over the potential loss of one of Nairobi’s most historic grassroots football venues.

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The Baba Dogo pitch holds a special place in Kenyan football. It has nurtured some of the country’s most accomplished players, including Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga, Gor Mahia’s Odhiambo, former FKF Premier League MVP Joshua Onyango, and Kenya Police FC winger Tyson Odongo.

But its importance extends beyond football. For decades, the pitch has been a recreational and communal hub for residents of Baba Dogo, Korogocho, Lucky Summer, and neighbouring estates.

It represents hope, opportunity, and a safe space for thousands of young people striving to build their futures through sport.