Gachagua Warns Ruto Over Muthaiga Golf Club, KFS Land Dispute

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has warned President William Ruto against taking over Muthaiga Golf Club amid a dispute involving the club and the Kenya Forest Service (KFS).

In a statement on Thursday, September 17, Gachagua said members of Muthaiga Golf Club had contacted him over concerns that the government, through KFS, was planning to take over the golf course.

"Members of Muthaiga Golf Club have woken me up at night, informing me that William Ruto, using the Kenya Forest Service, is planning to grab Muthaiga Golf Course after grabbing several parcels of land in the neighboring Kiambu County. I sympathize with them; just like the 55 million Kenyans, the Kenyan great grabber is on their case," he wrote.

Gachagua claimed the club's members were shocked when senior KFS officers arrived at the facility accompanied by dogs and declared that part of the golf course belonged to Karura Forest.

"Members were shocked when senior KFS officers turned up at the club with killer dogs and declared part of the golf course as being in Karura Forest. William Ruto must know that Muthaiga Golf Club has been in existence since before independence, before he was born," he added.

Gachagua also invoked Kenya's political history, arguing that successive presidents had left Muthaiga Golf Club untouched despite changes in government over the decades.

He said the colonial administration did not interfere with the club and that former presidents Jomo Kenyatta, Daniel arap Moi, Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta respected the country's golf courses.

Gachagua noted that Kibaki played golf at Muthaiga before becoming president and continued visiting the club while in office, while Moi, despite publicly expressing disdain for golf, did not interfere with golf clubs.

He also cited Uhuru Kenyatta, whom he described as his predecessor and current political opponent of Ruto, saying he had respected golf courses across the country.

Gachagua then warned the President against what he described as an expansion of interest in land from public property to privately owned property.

"Your appetite for land has now surpassed public land; you have now turned to private land. We shall do everything possible to stop you from grabbing Muthaiga Golf Club and other public and private land in the country," he further said.

Gachagua also issued a warning to senior KFS officials whom he accused of being involved in the alleged attempt to take over the golf club.

"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 William Ruto at the ballot on 10th August 2027," he noted.

Gachagua further alleged that Ruto and his immediate family were involved in the running of national parks and game reserves, linking the claim to what he said were plans targeting land occupied by golf courses.

"We are adequately aware that Mr. William Ruto and his immediate nuclear family are particularly running almost all national parks and game reserves in Kenya. All their intentions are well known. President, we are 55 million Kenyans; your provocation is running into an elastic limit," he added.

Gachagua concluded by assuring members of Muthaiga Golf Club that he would oppose any attempt to take over the facility and extended the same assurance to golfers whose courses he claimed were also facing similar threats.

"I want to assure all members of Muthaiga Golf Club that we shall not allow William Ruto to grab their land. The same assurance goes to all golfers in the country whose golf courses I have been informed are being targeted for grabbing," he stated.

Muthaiga Golf Club announced that KFS had taken over access to part of the club’s golf course, affecting the Front Nine from Hole No. 2 through to Hole No. 9.

In a statement on Tuesday, September 15, the club said KFS was claiming that the affected section of the course fell within Karura Forest.

"We wish to inform you that the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has invaded the course and taken over access to the Front Nine, from Hole No. 2 through to Hole No. 9. KFS is purporting that this section of the course falls within Karura Forest," the statement read.

Muthaiga Golf Club said its Board had taken up the matter and was working to resolve the dispute as quickly as possible.

"The Board is seized of the matter and is trying their level best to resolve the situation as urgently as possible," the statement added.

The club further advised members that the affected section would remain closed while the matter was being addressed. 

However, it clarified that other facilities, including the driving range and parking area, remained accessible.

"In the meantime, the Front Nine (Holes No. 2-9) is not available or accessible for members' use until further notice. Please note that the Range and parking is not affected," the statement further read.

The club apologised to members for the disruption and asked them to remain patient as efforts to resolve the situation continued.

"We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused and appreciate your patience, understanding and cooperation as the Club works to resolve this matter," the statement concluded.