Duale, Sakaja differ on usage of Uhuru Park for political activities

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja on Thursday appeared to differ with Defense CS Aden Duale's statement of keeping Uhuru Park a no-go zone for political activities.

Duale had earlier told the Senate that there were concerns over potential damages from large gatherings and declared that Uhuru Park would no longer serve as a venue for political rallies once it reopens.

He emphasised that it will be strictly reserved for non-political events.

"Please tell the political class, those who want to do weddings have a good place, those who want big events, but you know our supporters if they stay there for one hour then the park will go back to what it was," Duale stated.

However, Sakaja during the official handover ceremony of the park said it was up to the county to decide what the park will be used for.

"  I agree, there are certain things we cannot allow. Now the park will be under us and it will be up to us to decide," he said.

The governor added that Kamukunji grounds were open for political rallies but upon payment as indicated in the Nairobi Finance Act, 2023.

CS Duale responded by telling Sakaja that rallies should be prohibited for the park to meet worldwide park standards.

"I'm just giving the governor a hint that if we have to maintain the global park stands, we have to give an alternative for political rallies. We can't have our cake and eat it," he said.

"We can't have a good park and people destroy the park in six hours," Duale added.

The CS urged the governor to maintain the park to standards.

Defense CS Aden Duale and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja at Uhuru Park on April 18, 2024. During the handover transition period, the Ministry of Defence signed an MoU with Nairobi County. Photo: Ahmed Shafat, EV.

During the handover transition period, the Ministry of Defence signed an MoU with Nairobi County.

According to Duale, the MoU will act as a legal framework for the KDF for the next nine months during the transition period.

"The MoU is a legal framework. As defense forces we cannot be in a place without a legal framework for the transition period," he said.

"If our duty will be done even after two months, we shall leave. The defense ministry has no business in running parks," Duale added.

The CS however said the ministry will be readily available when called upon by City Hall.

Defense CS Aden Duale and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja at Uhuru Park on April 18, 2024. During the handover transition period, the Ministry of Defence signed an MoU with Nairobi County. Photo: Ahmed Shafat, EV.

Brigadier Titus Sokobe, the Project Manager who oversaw the Uhuru Park renovation project, said final touches were remaining but were being finalised.

He assured City Hall that water is available in the park as well as a proper lighting system.

"This park is dear to us and it was the reason why the government saw it was fit to have an upgrade. It was a crime hideout where mugging and pick-pocketing were happening but now we have transformed it," Sokobe noted.

He announced that Central Park would be complete in two weeks, as weather conditions slowed down work projects.

Sokobe made it clear that the KDF will no longer provide security at the park.

"We believe that City hall and police will provide adequate security and that people of Nairobi will go back to enjoying the park," he said.

In addition, Governor Sakaja said that the county will issue public tenders for the business opportunities. He said the park will have business premises. He even revealed plans to open a club within the park.

"There will be a club here.. as we said we removed the bars and clubs from the estates. If people want to make noise let them come here," Sakaja added.

There are also plans to install a dancing fountain worth Sh156 million.

Sakaja commended the military for exceptional work renovating the park.

"There are some works that the military will still do here (Uhuru park) and Central Park. We have seen the work and professionalism of the military which is a great asset and we appreciate the work done," he said.