Editor's Review

“That park will never again be used by politicians to address rallies, it is out of bounds. Those of us in the political class will look for another venue."

Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has announced that Uhuru and Central Parks will be out of bounds for political rallies.

Speaking on Wednesday, April 17 during a plenary session at the Senate, Duale said the national government and Nairobi County signed a memorandum of understanding to ban political rallies from the two parks.

The Defence CS noted that there are other venues that politicians can use for their rallies while Uhuru and Central Parks will be reserved for Kenyans to enjoy during weekends.

“That park will never again be used by politicians to address rallies, it is out of bounds. Those of us in the political class will look for another venue so that Uhuru Park and Central Park belong to the residents of Nairobi and other Kenyans,” said Duale.

He added, “It was the best place for popular parties like ODM and others in Kenya Kwanza but I think there are many other open places we will go.”

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Duale pointed out that the facelift of Uhuru Park is nearly complete while in Central Park the refurbishment is in the advanced stages.

File image of an areial view of Uhuru Park. 

The Defence CS noted that Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) would hand over Uhuru Park to Nairobi County after sixty days.

“KDF cannot stay in a place without anything, we have told the governor to just sign for us that we will be with you for six months to show you and as we transition we will have something to cover our officers,” Duale explained.

He was responding to Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s questions on when KDF would hand over Uhuru and Central Parks to Sakaja’s administration.

Uhuru Park and Central Park were closed to the public in February 2022 by the now-defunct Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) for a facelift.

Before its closure in 2022 Kenyans seeking rest could walk into the park and relax. The Uhuru Park was also a getaway for families during weekends and national holidays.