Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has announced that Uhuru Park will be open to the public on Mashujaa Day, October 20, 2024. However, he clarified that the park cannot be reserved solely for private events on public holidays.
This clarification comes as comedian and activist Eric Omondi prepares to hold a rival event on the same day to honor the victims of this year’s anti-government protests. In his statement, Sakaja emphasized that Uhuru Park is a public space accessible to all Kenyans without restriction.
“Uhuru Park has been OPEN and remains OPEN to the public EVERY DAY,” the governor stated. “Every Kenyan is allowed to come and is welcome to enjoy their Park.” He further explained that while event bookings are usually possible, no public park can be reserved for exclusive use during a public holiday like Mashujaa Day. “A public park is, however, NOT available to be RESERVED for exclusive use during a PUBLIC HOLIDAY. Other Kenyans will also want to enjoy.”
Sakaja’s remarks follow Omondi’s announcement of his plans to host a “mega event” at Uhuru Park on Mashujaa Day, coinciding with Kenya’s national celebrations. Known for his strong stance on governance issues, Omondi intends to use the occasion to remember those who died during the Gen Z-led anti-government protests outside Parliament earlier this year.
In a video shared online, Omondi can be seen standing in a cemetery, singing a reworked version of “Wimbo wa Historia” in honor of the protest victims from June 25. “As they celebrate Mashujaa Day on October 20, we will also host a mega event to celebrate our heroes! Our shujaas!” Omondi declared in his post. His tribute specifically names some of the victims, as the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reported that the protests resulted in 39 deaths, 361 injuries, 32 enforced disappearances, and 627 arrests.
