This archive report was first published on 31 December 2021.
On December 30, the High Court made a significant ruling regarding the secret renovations at Uhuru Park, a prominent landmark in Nairobi, Kenya.
Justice Edward Wabwoto refused to lift the initial order suspending the renovations, citing concerns that the project would have a detrimental impact on the environment. The court's decision was made in response to a case filed by the Communist Party of Kenya (CPK) last month.
The Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS), led by General Mohammed Badi, had claimed that they were not served with the initial order, and therefore, the court's decision was made without hearing their side of the story. However, the judge noted that the service was properly effected, and General Badi could not choose to argue at this stage that he was never personally served.
The CPK had challenged the renovations, citing concerns that the mass tree cutting and demolitions would have a negative impact on the environment. The party also expressed concerns that the replacement of the green lawn with concrete cement blocks would degrade the botanical and environmental qualities of the park.
The renovations at Uhuru Park have sparked heated conversations in recent months, with some Kenyans alleging that the demolitions were part of the government's plan to grab the land. However, President Uhuru Kenyatta has downplayed these allegations, stating that the renovations were part of the government's plans to improve Kenyans' living standards.
