Nairobi News

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja’s remarks during the reopening of Uhuru Park to the public have drawn criticism from a section of residents and pressure groups.

The governor had said that the county would advertise for tenders to set up a nightclub and restaurants in Uhuru Park for residents to enjoy.

But following his comments, the Law Society of Kenya and the Greenbelt Movement have called on the governor to abandon his plans and withdraw his statement.

Through Advocate K. Waweru, LSK, Greenbelt Movement and Dr Owiso Owiso Advocate demanded that the Governor should provide them with the public participation report within 48 hours in line with Article 35 of the Constitution of Kenya which states that every citizen has the right to access information.

“I hereby demand that you immediately withdraw the pronouncements and in a letter signed and sealed with the county seal, confirm that Uhuru Park and all open green spaces such as parks maintained by the county will not be commercialised,” reads part of the letter, adding that the response should reach them by Friday 19 April, the same day the governor reopened the park.

The letter also asks the governor to outline plans to create, protect and promote non-commercialised open green spaces in at least every sub-county in Nairobi.

“Please share with us the said plans along with the public participation report within 48 hours. My clients are willing to grant the county no more than three days to obtain the documents and information,” the letter reads.

The Governor has also been asked to provide the timeframe for the reopening of the non-commercialised, vast green space in the park.

The two bodies said that if the county failed to respond to the demands, they would take legal action.

According to the governor, the move was to encourage residents to avoid partying and noise in nightclubs in residential areas and instead bring the vibe back to the CBD.