Uhuru Park permanently closed to political rallies - Duale

Politicians intending to use the newly renovated Uhuru Park for their rallies will now have to look for new venues.

This is after the government banned any further political rallies at Uhuru Park and instead opted to reserve it as a recreational park for the public.

Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale disclosed this when he appeared before the Senators on Wednesday.

“That park will never be used again by politicians to address rallies. It is out of bounds,” Duale said.

“Those of us in the political class will look for another venue. Uhuru and and Central Parks belong to the citizens of Nairobi and other Kenyans; that during the weekend they have a choice of going to the mall or the park,” he explained.

Duale was responding to a question by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna who wondered why the pavilion at Uhuru Park was demolished.

“I want to know the rationale for the demolition of the pavilion where we used to address our supporters from because I believe that was also a monument that needed to be preserved,” Sifuna posed.

“I am sure it was the best place for popular parties like ODM and others in Kenya Kwanza where you show your might by bringing your supporters but I think there are many other places you can go,” Duale said amidst laughter.

The CS at the same time stated that he will be handing over the two facilities to the Nairobi City County on Thursday this week.

This follows the conclusion of the works which started in 2022.

The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has been undertaking the renovations at the two parks geared at enhancing visitor experience by ensuring they meet global standards.

According to Duale, the works carried include creation and sprucing up green spaces, gardens and lawns, introduction of control access points and enhancing of security through gates and fences, setting up of container restaurants and construction of a skating park.

Other works include setting up of shelter gardens and outdoor spaces, creation of water cascade, construction of ablution facilities and walkways.

The cost of the project, he said, is Sh1.18 billion.

Duale stated that they will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Nairobi City during the handover.

The MoU, according to Duale, will see a technical team from KDF oversee the process for the next six months.

While Uhuru Park is fully complete, eight per cent of the works, he said, was still remaining at the Central park.

This includes construction of the drainage system and drilling of a borehole which has been delayed by the ongoing KeNHA works.

The CS at the same time urged Governor Johnson Sakaja to allocate funds towards the installation of CCTV and proposed construction of a dancing water fountain and pedestrian bridge estimated to cost Sh500 million.

Duale further noted that they have made a provision for a security post at the Central park.

“We do not want our daughters, sons, families or citizens to be victims of insecurity when they are enjoying the ambience of the park. At the far end of we have a facility so we will ask the Inspector General of Police in consultation with the stakeholders to provide security for the post,” he added.

Previously, KDF allowed some activities to be held at the park including the inaugural Nairobi festival in December 2022 and WRC Safari rally championship launch in June 2023.

The Community Health Promoters’ launch by President William Ruto in September 2023 was held there.

The music festival in December 2023 and the Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA) security guards launch last month were also held at the park.

The park was also opened to the public during the Christmas and New Year festivity.