On Wednesday, Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale declared that Uhuru Park, one of Nairobi's most significant public spaces, will no longer host political rallies once it reopens.
This statement marks a significant shift in the usage of the park, which has traditionally been a popular venue for political gatherings.
Speaking in Parliament, Duale responded to queries from Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, affirming that the refurbished park will be strictly reserved for non-political events. "Uhuru Park will never be used again by politicians to address rallies; it's out of bounds," Duale firmly stated, setting a new precedent for the park's use.
The Defence Cabinet Secretary further emphasized the need to preserve the park’s newly renovated state, which has been under extensive reconstruction since March 2022.
"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," he cautioned, highlighting concerns over potential damages from large gatherings.
Duale also confirmed that the Ministry of Defence will hand over Uhuru Park to the Nairobi County government on Thursday, April 18, following nearly complete renovations.
The park's overhaul has addressed various aspects, including the removal of the dais commonly used for political speeches, enhancements to green spaces, the introduction of a skating park, and the installation of container restaurants and outdoor libraries.
Uhuru Park has long been a focal point in Kenya's political landscape, hosting events that have shaped the nation's history. The park's significance in political discourse is underscored by several monumental occasions.
One of the most dramatic episodes occurred on January 30, 2018, when former Prime Minister Raila Odinga took a bold step by having himself sworn in as the "people's president" at Uhuru Park. This event marked a significant political statement during a period of intense electoral dispute and further cemented the park’s role as a stage for political expression.
Earlier, on June 15, 2010, the park was the site of a tragic incident when two explosions disrupted a political rally during the "NO" campaign against the proposed constitution. This attack resulted in the deaths of six people and left hundreds injured, highlighting the park's centrality in Kenya's contentious political battles.
In a more victorious light, Uhuru Park was the chosen venue for a pivotal moment in 2002 when the Narc Kenya party introduced the late and former President Mwai Kibaki as its candidate. This event was a prelude to Kibaki's eventual victory, which saw the end of Kanu's long-standing dominance in Kenyan politics.
Despite the near completion of these renovations, with only 8 per cent of the construction work pending, Duale expressed reservations about the Nairobi County government's capacity to maintain the new standards. The remaining work primarily involves completing a water construction project sourced from a borehole dug by the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF), expected to conclude within three weeks.
Throughout the renovation process, the ministry has faced challenges with vandalism during the limited number of events allowed at the park, further justifying the decision to limit its use. “Running parks is not our mandate,” Duale explained, indicating a strategic withdrawal from managing public recreational facilities.
The security of the park has also been significantly bolstered, featuring controlled access points, enhanced perimeter security, and plans for a new police post. These measures aim to ensure a safe and tranquil environment for visitors.
The refurbishment of both Uhuru and Central Parks has come at a substantial cost, totalling Ksh1.18 billion, an investment that the government hopes will pay off in providing a serene retreat for city dwellers. "We expect during lunchtime, Kenyans can spend one hour reading or relaxing at the park," Duale envisioned.
In conclusion, Duale noted that the Ministry of Defence will sign a memorandum of agreement with the Nairobi County government, which will allow the ministry’s technical team to assist during a six-month transition period.
This agreement is designed to facilitate a smooth handover and ensure the park's sustained upkeep, reflecting a new chapter for Uhuru Park, focused on recreation and personal enjoyment, distancing itself from its political past.
