Scores of golf players on Monday participated in a tournament at Makuyu Golf course to celebrate a victory of a court dispute of their playground.
More than 80 players participated in a golf competition dubbed Clergy and friends tournament to mark the winning of a case that lasted 17 years in court.
The players lauded the court for giving justice in which the golf club was granted rights to use 72 acres of land, emerging victory over a case that was pitting Kakuzi Limited Company.
Trustees of the golf club have been seeking justice in court since 2002 after Kakuzi started to demand profits and take fully control of the nine-hole golf course.
One of the trustees of the Club, Engineer Joel Wanyoike termed the winning of the case as a big boost for sports not only for Murang’a County but also for the whole country.
He noted that Makuyu Golf Club, the only public golf course in Murang’a County will go a long way nurturing many local talents.
Last week, the Environment and Lands Court in Thika ruled that the 72-acre of land belongs to the golf club, and was acquired during colonial era.
The golf club was established in 1934 and borders the Kakuzi horticultural company, which has been demanding to take control of the playground.
The prolonged court case, prompted many members of the golf club to shift to other clubs leaving few members who had put spirited battle to win the case.
With the victory, Wanyoike said they will embark on a process to recruit new members and put up structures which will facilitate conducive environment for players.
“We want to recruit new members and also bring in young people to start playing golf. The playground will act as training grounds to those interested in golf sports,” added Wanyoike.
Former Kasarani MP, Njoroge wa Chege who is a golfer asked Murang’a county government to partner with the golf club to improve facilities in the playground.
Chege said the county government should be proud of the ground since it is the only golf club within the county.
He asked Kakuzi Limited to respect the court ruling and support the golf club to put up structures that will boost golf sports in the county.
“Kakuzi has a big land measuring to more than 12, 000 acres. Instead of fighting for the 72 acres owned by the golf club, they should donate more land for the club to extend the golf course and make it an 18-hole golf course,” added Chege.
By Bernard Munyao
