Gor Mahia FC and Harambee Stars midfielder Austin Odhiambo has publicly expressed his heartfelt gratitude to President William Ruto for his decisive intervention in the ongoing dispute over the Baba Dogo grounds.
In a statement, Odhiambo said, “I want to sincerely thank the president for the great gesture he has shown by stepping in to help us reclaim the Baba Dogo grounds, which has nurtured different talents, including myself and many others. Football has finally won.”
This expression of thanks comes in the wake of tensions in the community, where residents clashed with police during demonstrations protesting against the evictions from the Baba Dogo playground.
The area has been under scrutiny since Kenafric Industries, a company claiming legal ownership of the grounds, initiated the eviction process, sparking outrage among local residents and sports enthusiasts who view the grounds as a vital part of their community.
The Baba Dogo grounds have a rich history as a bustling sports hub that has played a crucial role in the development of local football talent.
Many well-known players have emerged from this venue, including Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga and Gor Mahia players Joshua Onyango and Austin Odhiambo. This rich tradition of nurturing young talent highlights the importance of the grounds to the local sports culture.
In response to the escalating tensions and unrest surrounding the Baba Dogo grounds in Ruaraka, Nairobi, President William Ruto intervened to resolve the situation.
His intervention included ordering the immediate withdrawal of police forces that had been stationed at the site to maintain order during the protests. This move has been seen as a significant step toward restoring peace and ensuring that the community retains access to a space that holds deep significance for both local athletes and residents.