Nairobi Governor Announces Uhuru Park Open for Mashujaa Day Amid Rival Commemoration
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has confirmed that Uhuru Park will be accessible to the public on Mashujaa Day, October 20, 2024. His announcement comes as a response to recent plans by comedian and activist Eric Omondi to hold a rival event commemorating victims of this year’s anti-government protests.
Governor Sakaja emphasized that Uhuru Park is a public space, stating, “No public park can be reserved exclusively during significant public holidays like Mashujaa Day.” He reiterated that while event bookings are permitted, the park should remain open for all Kenyans to enjoy.
Omondi, known for his activism, plans to honor those who lost their lives during protests led by Gen Z outside Parliament earlier this year. He intends to stage a mega celebration that acknowledges both national heroes and the victims of recent unrest. In a video shared online, he performed a reworked version of “I’m No Way Historia” at a cemetery, paying tribute to the deceased.
The protests, which erupted on June 25, resulted in a reported 39 deaths, 361 injuries, 32 enforced disappearances, and 627 arrests, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR). Omondi’s tribute specifically names individuals who perished during these demonstrations, underscoring a dual theme of national pride and remembrance.
As Mashujaa Day approaches, the juxtaposition of Sakaja’s celebration of national heroes and Omondi’s call for remembrance highlights the complexities within Kenyan society, as it grapples with both celebration and mourning.
By Yvonne Victor
Post Author
