A day after Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja’s revelation of plans to build a nightclub at Uhuru Park, the Green Belt Movement has issued three demands seeking answers within 48 hours.

In a letter dated April 18, the movement through its lawyers, demanded information on the plans to convert Uhuru Park into a commercial center.

The movement linked with Nobel Laureate Prof Wangari Maathai also asked to be apprised of the county’s measures to ensure protection and promotion of non-commercial and open green spaces in at least every sub-county within Nairobi. 

In addition, the Green Belt Movement wants Sakaja to provide a timeframe for reopening the Central Park within Nairobi Central Business District which has also been under renovation.

Greenbelt asks Sakaja to prove public participation

Also, among the demands outlined in the letter was a request for proof that the Governor had conducted a public participation exercise before the decision to convert Uhuru Park into a commercial space.

“Kindly share with us the said plans regarding query (i), along with the Public Participation Reports within the next 48 hours,” read the letter in part.

“My clients are willing to indulge the County not more than Three (3) days in respect to availing of documents and information in response to question two (ii) and (iii) above.”

In its statement, the organization dedicated to environment conservation maintained that Sakaja’s plans to commercialize Uhuru Park fall beyond the scope of its establishment.

As such, the Greenbelt wants Sakaja to immediately withdraw the pronouncements.

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Further in the letter, the organization wants Sakaja to affirm that   all open green spaces such as parks maintained by the County shall not be commercialized in a letter signed and sealed with the Seal of the County.

“We demand that this be done not any later than Friday, 19th April 2024 by 6:00pm,” read the letter in part.

Sakaja sparks outrage with Uhuru Park nightclub remarks

Failure to meet the demands in the letter, the organization added, will prompt the lawyers to file a suit on behalf of the Greenbelt and other parties. 

The letter came hours after Governor Sakaja announced plans to build a nightclub at Uhuru Park, among other amenities.

In his speech during the official handing over of the Park from the Ministry of Defence to Nairobi County, Sakaja said the move was part of his efforts to prevent development of entertainment joints in residential areas.

However, his remarks sparked an outrage with Kenyans from different quarters criticizing the plans.

Also Read: Sakaja Announces Construction of Night club at Uhuru Park; Gives Reason

UDA leaders gang up against Sakaja

Sakaja has been on the spot over challenges facing Nairobi residents and complaints about his reluctance to answer to various questions raised by watchdog entities.

On Thursday, a group of Kenya Kwanza-affiliated leaders led by Dagoretti South legislator John Kiarie joined the bandwagon to call out Sakaja.

Kiarie in his address to the media termed Sakaja’s leadership the worst the city has ever seen, citing challenges including poor sewerage management and heaps of garbage rocking estates.

He also took issue with the governor’s failure to respond to audit questions that have exposed possible irregularities.

“Nairobi could be facing its worst leadership crisis at City Hall in the history of this county,” John Kiarie noted.

“The city sets no limit to any develop who is willing to bribe approvers at city hall with cash or apartments in the high rises.”