Sakaja Blocks Exclusive Reservation of Uhuru Park on Mashujaa Day Amid Eric Omondi’s Event Plans

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja clarified that Uhuru Park cannot be reserved for private events on public holidays after comedian and activist Eric Omondi announced plans to host a parallel Mashujaa Day celebration on October 20, 2024. This decision ensures that the public has free access to the park on such significant national holidays.

Highlights

Governor Sakaja announced that Uhuru Park will remain open to all Kenyans on Mashujaa Day.
Eric Omondi plans to host an event in honor of Kenyans who died during the anti-Finance Bill protests.
Sakaja emphasized that the park cannot be exclusively reserved for events on public holidays.

Sakaja’s Stand on Public Use of Uhuru Park

In a statement dated Thursday, October 17, Governor Sakaja emphasized that while Uhuru Park is open to all Kenyans every day, it cannot be reserved exclusively for any individual or group on public holidays. He stressed the importance of allowing everyone to enjoy the park’s facilities during such national celebrations.

“Uhuru Park has been open and remains open to the public every day. Every Kenyan is welcome to come and enjoy their park. While you can book events on other days, public parks are not available for exclusive use during a public holiday. Other Kenyans will also want to enjoy the space,” the governor clarified.

This statement came in response to Eric Omondi’s announcement of a planned Mashujaa Day event at Uhuru Park to honor victims of the 2023 anti-Finance Bill protests. Omondi’s event, set to coincide with the national Mashujaa Day celebrations, is intended to pay tribute to Kenyans who lost their lives while advocating for justice.

Eric Omondi’s Tribute to Protest Victims

Eric Omondi, known for his bold stance on governance and social justice issues, revealed his intention to host a Mashujaa Day event dedicated to “real heroes”—those w who stood against the government’s Finance Bill, which introduced new taxes in 2023. According to Omondi, these individuals deserve recognition for their sacrifices in the fight for fairness and economic justice.

During a press briefing earlier in the week, Omondi stated, “These are the real Mashujaas—brave souls who stood up against oppression and paid the ultimate price. We cannot let their sacrifice go unnoticed.” The event will feature performances by local artists, speeches from civil society leaders, and a candlelight vigil for those who perished during the protests.

Omondi’s tribute follows his vocal criticism of the government’s tax policies, which he believes have heavily burdened ordinary Kenyans. The protests, sparked by the controversial Finance Bill, resulted in clashes with law enforcement, leaving several dead and many injured.

A Day for All Kenyans

Governor Sakaja reiterated that Mashujaa Day is a national holiday for all Kenyans to reflect on the country’s heroes, both past and present. While Eric Omondi’s tribute focuses on modern-day struggles, Sakaja emphasized that public spaces like Uhuru Park must remain accessible to everyone.

“Mashujaa Day is a day for all Kenyans, and Uhuru Park should be available for everyone to enjoy. It is not available for exclusive use on public holidays. We encourage everyone to come and enjoy the park on this significant day, but no reservations will be accepted,” the governor explained.

Despite this clarification, Omondi remains committed to hosting his event, which he believes will shed light on the struggles of everyday Kenyans in their fight for justice and fairness.He planned activities, including the candlelight vigil, to honor those who died during the anti-government protests, offering a platform for Kenyans to come together in solidarity.

As Mashujaa Day approaches, both Governor Sakaja and Eric Omondi have laid out their respective visions for how the day should be observed. While Sakaja focuses on maintaining public access to Uhuru Park, Omondi’s tribute highlights the ongoing struggles faced by Kenyans. As the day unfolds, Kenyans will have the opportunity to reflect on both the historical and contemporary heroes who have shaped the nation.