Activists decry restricted access to Uhuru Park ahead of planned event to honour anti-govt protest victims

A section of activists have alleged they have been barred from entering Uhuru Park ahead of a planned event where they had planned to honour victims of anti-government protests. The event was organised and led by comedian and activist Eric Omondi.

A spot check by The Eastleigh Voice revealed a heavy contingent of police officers and water cannons were deployed in strategic areas ahead of the event.

Taking to his X account, Activist Boniface Mwangi expressed frustration revealing that he and his family were denied access to the park by police officers and county staff.

He criticised the authorities for restricting entry to the park, which he noted was ironically named "Freedom."

Mwangi accused the government of being fearful and stifling the freedom to assemble, asserting that the sacrifices made by the country's forefathers for independence were being undermined by those in power.

“The police officers and county employees manning the gate said they’re simply following orders. A park named Freedom but there is no freedom in Kenya today. Our forefathers didn’t fight and die for freedom so that one insecure, corrupt individual, could lord over us. We shall continue shouting and organising for freedom,” he said.

Similarly, activist Hanifa Adan questioned the presence of police outside the park, pointing out that Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja had previously announced that the park was open to the public.

She expressed disbelief that despite the governor’s declaration, people were still being stopped from entering the grounds.

“They’re not allowing people inside Uhuru Park. Lol, Sakaja Johnson, thought you said it’s open for everyone? Why are there police outside stopping people?” she posed.

Tight security at Uhuru Park ahead of planned event organised by activists led by Eric Omondi to honour victims of anti-government protests. #MashujaaDay2024 pic.twitter.com/2Z7O7t42MU

— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) October 20, 2024

Governor's stand

On Thursday, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja announced that Uhuru Park would be open to the public on Mashujaa Day, October 20, 2024.

He however reiterated that while Uhuru Park is open daily to all Kenyans, it cannot be reserved for private events on public holidays like Mashujaa Day.

In a statement on X, he clarified that although event bookings are normally allowed, no public park can be exclusively used on such a day since other Kenyans may also want to enjoy the space.

“Uhuru Park has been open and remains open to the public every day. Every Kenyan is allowed to come and is welcome to enjoy their park. You can also book for events. A public park is, however, not available to be reserved for exclusive use during a public holiday,” Sakaja said.

“Other Kenyans will also want to enjoy. It can be reserved on any other day. Kujeni tu mmoja mmoja mjae hakuna haja ya kuomba.”

Heavy police presence at Uhuru Park ahead of planned event organised by activists led by Eric Omondi to honour victims of anti-government protests on October 20, 2024. (Photo: Justine Ondieki/EV)

Omondi had announced that his event aims to honour those who lost their lives during the Gen Z-led anti-government protests earlier this year.

In a video shared online, Omondi stood in a cemetery, singing a reworked version of “Wimbo wa Historia” in tribute to the victims of the June 25 protests.

“As they celebrate Mashujaa Day on October 20, we will also host a mega event to celebrate our heroes! Our shujaas!” Omondi declared in a post.

He specifically mentioned some of the victims who died during the protests, which, according to a Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) report, left 39 people dead, 361 injured, 32 forcibly disappeared, and 627 arrested.

Gen Z lauded

Leaders such as Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino have lauded the Gen Z’s during this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations, recognising their courage and role in holding the government accountable.

Kalonzo praised the bravery of Gen Zs and Millennials, commending their efforts to fight for their constitutional rights despite facing police brutality.

He described their actions as a significant milestone in the country’s 61-year history, noting that their peaceful marches, where they boldly carried the Kenyan flag, had made a lasting impact.

Heavy police presence at Uhuru Park ahead of planned event organised by activists led by Eric Omondi to honour victims of anti-government protests on October 20, 2024. (Photo: Justine Ondieki/EV)

“Your call to duty, holding our Kenyan flag and peacefully marching through our streets to hold Executive and Legislative authorities accountable, has left an indelible impression on our minds and hearts. Because of your extraordinary and selfless actions, particularly your refusal to be silenced, Kenya will never be the same again. You have inspired all of us to hope for a better present and future,” he said.

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino also celebrated Gen Zs as the true heroes of Mashujaa Day. He praised their efforts in standing against corruption and poor leadership, acknowledging their willingness to fight for the rights of all Kenyans.

Babu also paid tribute to those who lost their lives during protests, some of whom were abducted or killed by the previous government. He offered condolences to the affected families, encouraging them to find strength in their loss.

“Today I celebrate the Gen-Zs as heroes of this country. They came out and fought against impunity and corruption. They came out to rescue Kenyans from the yoke of poor leadership. They came out, and were abducted and killed by the defunct Government for fighting for their basic rights. To the Families who lost their loved ones, may God grant you strength, courage and wisdom to overcome. I encourage Kenyans to continue loving each other and holding leaders to account,” he said.