Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has publicly accused President William Ruto of attempting to seize Muthaiga Golf Club in Nairobi. Gachagua claims that Ruto, through the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), plans to take over part of the golf course. Members of the club reportedly contacted Gachagua, expressing concerns over the government's intentions. Gachagua expressed sympathy for the club members, stating that Ruto's actions are part of a larger pattern of land acquisition.
According to Gachagua, senior KFS officers accompanied by security dogs entered the facility, declaring that a portion of the course belongs to Karura Forest. The club has existed since before Kenya's independence, and Gachagua argues that successive heads of state have respected golf courses across the country without interference. He claimed that Ruto's actions are an attempt to grab land, citing the president's alleged history of land acquisition in neighboring Kiambu County.
Gachagua warned against the expansion of state interest into private property, pledging to resist any takeover attempts. He issued a direct warning to KFS officials involved, stating that action will be taken against them. Gachagua also alleged that Ruto and his family are involved in managing national parks and game reserves, linking these claims to the current actions targeting golf courses.
The dispute began when Muthaiga Golf Club closed part of its course after KFS took over access to the Front Nine. The club notified members that KFS claimed the land falls within Karura Forest. The club's board is handling the matter, and the driving range and parking areas remain operational. KFS declared the club's occupation of the 21.8-hectare section under Land Reference Number 13134/3 illegal.
KFS maintains that Karura Forest was gazetted as a reserve in 1932 and later declared a Central Forest in 1964. The service stated that while historical leases allowed the initial construction of the course in the 1960s, the club failed to honor invitations in 2007 and 2021 to secure a legal Forest Special Use Licence. KFS claims that the club's occupation of the land is unlawful.
Gachagua's accusations have sparked a heated debate about land ownership and government interference in private property. The Muthaiga Golf Club has been a prominent institution in Kenya since its establishment. Gachagua's pledge to resist the takeover attempt has garnered support from some quarters, while others have called for a peaceful resolution to the dispute.
The dispute is ongoing, with KFS inviting the club to resolve the matter through statutory channels under the Forest Conservation and Management Act. The outcome of the dispute remains uncertain, with both parties dug in on their positions. The case has raised concerns about the relationship between the government and private landowners in Kenya.
Key points
- Gachagua accuses Ruto of attempting to seize Muthaiga Golf Club through KFS.
- The dispute centers on a 21.8-hectare section of land claimed by KFS as part of Karura Forest.
- Gachagua pledges to resist the takeover attempt, citing concerns about government interference in private property.
