Sakaja tells off Duale over usage of Uhuru park for political activities
By Antynet Ford
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has today differed with Defense Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale over his statement of keeping Uhuru Park a no go zone for political activities.
During the official hand over of the facility to the County, governoner Sakaja said it was upto to the county to decide what the park will be used for.
“ It is us upto us to decide what the park will be used to. But that I agree , there are certain things we cannot allow. Now the park will be under us and it will be upto us to decide.” Sakaja said.
Governor added that Kamukunji grounds was open for political rallies but upon payment as indicated in the Nairobi Finance Act, 2023.
In response, CS Duale told Sakaja that for the park to be maintain the global park standards, rallies should not be allowed.
“ I’m just giving the Governor a hint that if we have to maintain the global park stands, we have to give an alternative for political rallies. We cant have our cake and eat it.” Duale said.
“We can’t have a good park and people destroy the park in six hours.” Duale added.
The CS urged the Governor to maintain the park to standards .
Duale had earlier told the Senate that there were concerns over potential damages from large gatherings and he declared that Uhuru Park will no longer serve as a venue for political rallies once it reopens
He emphasized that it will be strictly reserved for non-political events
“Please tell the political class, those who want to do weddings have a good place, those who want big events, but you know our supporters if they stay there for one hour then the park will go back to what it was,” Duale stated.
The Ministry of Defence signed an MoU with Nairobi county to over the transition period of the hand over.
According to Duale, the MoU will act as a legal framework for the KDF for the next nine months during the transition period.
“The MoU is a legal framework. As defense forces we cannot be in a place without a legal framework for the transition period. ” The CS said.
“ If our duty will be done even after two months, we shall leave. The defense ministry has no business in running parks.” Duale added.
The CS however said the ministry will be readily available when called upon by City Hall.
