Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja‘s plan to establish a nightclub within the renovated Uhuru Park has sparked controversy.
The Law Society of Kenya and Greenbelt Movement have jointly called for the abandonment of the plan, insisting that Sakaja issues a public apology to the city residents for the contentious proposal.
During the handover of Uhuru Park from the KDF, Governor Sakaja stated the nightclub was to offer an alternative to nightspots in residential areas
He stated, “There is a nightclub that is going to be here. We agreed hiyo kupiga kelele kwa estate muache. You can come here and scream until the cows come home. That is the zone, sherehe mfanyie hapo.”
He outlined additional projects, including Swahili and African restaurants, to be developed through public-private partnerships.
“The restaurants and the clubs will be leased to the public,” he confirmed.
Assuring transparency in the selection process, Sakaja emphasized, “The specific locations where the facilities will be put up have already been identified.”
Sakaja also stressed the importance of adhering to procurement laws during the tendering process, ensuring fairness for all interested parties.
During the handover ceremony of the park by the Ministry of Defence, Sakaja urged Nairobians to protect Uhuru Park and abide by park rules.
He stated, “Let us commit ourselves to the preservation and enhancement of this park and others parks across the city.”
Sakaja also addressed the issue of encroachment, urging those who had encroached on the park to vacate voluntarily.
“Everybody who has encroached on the park, just do it on your own so that when we come you will not say we have demolished because we shall not leave until we have restored it,” he affirmed.
By Vivian K.