Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has made a significant announcement regarding the future of Nairobi’s iconic Uhuru Park. During a parliamentary session on Wednesday, he declared that once the park reopens, it will no longer serve as a venue for political rallies. This marks a notable departure from the park’s historical role as a popular spot for political gatherings.
Responding to inquiries from Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Duale emphasized that the refurbished park will be strictly reserved for non-political events. He asserted firmly, “Uhuru Park will never be used again by politicians to address rallies; it’s out of bounds.” This statement signals a new direction for the park’s utilization, aimed at preserving its newly renovated state.
“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 underscored the importance of maintaining the park’s pristine condition, highlighting the extensive reconstruction efforts undertaken since March 2022. Additionally, he confirmed that the Ministry of Defence will hand over Uhuru Park to the Nairobi County government on Thursday, April 18, as renovations near completion.
