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Uhuru Park and Central Park, situated in Nairobi County, are now off-limits for political rallies, announced Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale during the Senate Plenary on Wednesday, April 17.
In response to a query from Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna regarding the removal of the podium at Uhuru Park, CS Duale stated that the decision was made to prevent politicians from utilizing the parks for rallies. He emphasized that the political class would need to seek alternative venues for their gatherings.
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Duale stressed that both parks belong not only to the people of Nairobi but also to all Kenyans, who should be able to enjoy them without political interference. He mentioned that during weekends, people should have the option of visiting malls or parks for leisure activities.
Although acknowledging the historical significance of Uhuru Park for political events, Duale, a founding member of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), suggested that popular parties like ODM should easily find other suitable locations for their activities.
The Ministry led by Duale was tasked with rehabilitating both parks starting from March 2022 during the Jubilee Administration. The deterioration of park facilities had reached a critical point, posing security concerns due to non-functioning amenities. Vandalism and theft of monuments and water features due to inadequate security prompted the national government’s intervention.
The rehabilitation project aimed to restore the parks’ former glory by refurbishing green spaces, reinstating monuments, enhancing infrastructure, and improving security through fencing and the installation of a visitor management system.
