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Sakaja agrees to halt further development at Uhuru Park after uproar

Governor Johnson Sakaja and lawyer Gichohi Waweru, representing the Law Society of Kenya at Uhuru Park, in Nairobi on April 20, 2024. (Photo: Handout)

By Hanifa Adan | 20 Apr 2024

The meeting, held at Uhuru Park, followed a demand letter issued to Sakaja by the Green Belt Movement and LSK demanding that the governor immediately withdraws his announcement of opening nightclubs at the park.

Wangari Maathai's Greenbelt Movement, along with representatives from the Law Society of Kenya and Governor Johnson Sakaja, on Saturday reached an agreement to halt all further development at Uhuru Park and Central Park.

The meeting, held at Uhuru Park on Saturday, followed a demand letter issued to Governor Sakaja by the Green Belt Movement and the Law Society of Kenya on April 19. They demanded that the governor immediately withdraws his announcement of opening nightclubs at the park by Friday, April 19, at 6 pm, warning of legal action if their demands were not met.

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In a joint statement, they expressed their appreciation for the governor's assurance that Uhuru Park and Central Park will remain free and accessible green public spaces.

"We also welcome the governor's decision to halt all further development projects in both parks and his commitment to establishing an inclusive public participation forum to engage residents on how to move forward, particularly on projects within the park and concerning the park's management," they said.

Governor Sakaja shared his vision for Uhuru Park and Central Park during the meeting, addressing the illegalities that have affected the parks' management since 2021 when they were closed off to the public. He announced that Central Park, currently undergoing renovations, will be reopened to the public within a month.

Nyaguthii Chege, Chairperson of the Green Belt Movement's Board of Directors, emphasized the collective responsibility of protecting Uhuru Park and urged residents to actively participate in the public forum. She highlighted the importance of green spaces for communities' well-being and encouraged their preservation.

"The responsibility of protecting Uhuru Park belongs to all of us and I encourage all residents to fully participate in the public forum. This is your opportunity to protect Uhuru Park and all green space," she told The Eastleigh Voice.

Gichohi Waweru, representing the Law Society of Kenya, emphasized the historical significance of places like Uhuru Park and Central Park, pledging to safeguard them for future generations. He highlighted the importance of ensuring children grow up in environments with ample green spaces.

Lawyer Dr. Owiso Owiso reiterated their commitment to preserving Nairobi's free, accessible public green spaces and ensuring their sustainability. They pledged to collaborate with all stakeholders and utilize legal means to achieve this goal.

"We will work with all stakeholders and use all legal tools available to us to achieve this goal," he said.