Gachagua Accuses Ruto of Backing Muthaiga Golf Club Land Dispute

Nairobi, Kenya — Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused President William Ruto of being behind the Kenya Forest Service’s (KFS) occupation of a contested section of Muthaiga Golf Club, alleging that the move is part of an attempt to acquire private property for personal gain.

The dispute centres on a section of the golf course known as Front Nine, stretching from Hole No. 2 to Hole No. 9. KFS officers have camped in the area, arguing that it falls within the boundaries of the gazetted Karura Forest.

The Forest Service says the disputed parcel, identified as Land Reference Number 13134/3, encroaches onto Karura Forest by approximately 21.8 hectares.

Gachagua Alleges Presidential Involvement

In a statement issued on Thursday, Gachagua, who leads the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), alleged that President Ruto was behind the KFS action and accused him of seeking to acquire private property.

“Your appetite for land has now surpassed public land; you have now turned to private land,” Gachagua said.

He further stated that efforts would be made to oppose what he described as the attempted acquisition of Muthaiga Golf Club and other public and private land in the country.

The former Deputy President also criticised senior KFS officials, alleging that they were being used to advance the President’s interests.

Gachagua Issues Warning to KFS Officials

Gachagua warned KFS officials against what he described as serving as the President’s “stooges,” and said they would face consequences in the future.

“For the senior officials of KFS being used by Mr. Ruto to grab Muthaiga Golf Club, be put on notice that action will be taken against you next year when Kenyans get rid of Mr. William Ruto at the ballot on 10th August 2027,” he added.

He also alleged that President Ruto and his family control almost all national parks and game reserves in Kenya.

The allegations form part of Gachagua’s wider criticism of the government’s handling of land and public resources. The claims concerning presidential involvement and control of parks and reserves have not been independently established in the information provided.

KFS Defends Occupation of Contested Land

KFS maintains that Muthaiga Golf Club’s occupation of the disputed section is illegal and that the club has not provided evidence of a lawful claim to the land.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Forest Service said the contested area forms part of Karura Forest, which was gazetted as a forest reserve in 1932 and later declared a Central Forest in 1964.

According to KFS, Karura Forest covers approximately 1,044.1 hectares and was gazetted through Proclamation No. 44 of 1932. It was subsequently declared a Central Forest through Legal Notice No. 174 of May 20, 1964.

The Service’s position is that the disputed land remains part of the protected forest estate.

History of the Golf Course Boundary

KFS provided a historical account of the land and the development of Muthaiga Golf Club.

The Service said a plan showing the extent of land leased to the club was issued in 1966, after which construction of the golf course began.

In 1974, the Chief Conservator of Forests reportedly wrote to the club confirming a proposed alteration of the golf course boundary that would extend the course further north.

The historical documents cited by KFS form part of its explanation of the relationship between the golf course and the Karura Forest boundary.

Dispute Over Forest Special Use Licence

KFS said the club was invited to apply for a Forest Special Use Licence following the enactment of the Forest Conservation and Management Act, 2007.

According to the Service, the club did not honour the request.

KFS added that it invited the club again in 2021 to discuss its occupation of Karura Forest Reserve. During that engagement, the club’s representatives reportedly claimed to hold a title deed for the contested land.

The competing positions raise questions concerning the historical boundaries of the golf course, the legal status of the disputed parcel and the documentation supporting any claim of ownership or lawful occupation.

Land Dispute Remains Unresolved

The disagreement between KFS and Muthaiga Golf Club has attracted political attention, with Gachagua alleging presidential involvement and the Forest Service maintaining that its actions are based on the protection of gazetted forest land.

The information provided does not establish an independent finding that President Ruto directed the occupation or that the disputed property was targeted for personal gain.

Further clarification from the relevant authorities, including the legal basis for the land claim and any official response from the President or Muthaiga Golf Club, would be necessary to establish the full circumstances of the dispute.

The matter highlights the continuing importance of land documentation, forest conservation laws and the resolution of competing claims over property in Nairobi.