The news that an expressway, to Westlands, will be cutting through Uhuru Park has been given a nod by the government has captured the attention of Former IEBC Commissioner Roslyn Akombe, who joined Kenyans on social media in condemning the move.
On Monday, the former IEBC commissioner in disbelief took to her twitter handle to express her reservation on the matter saying it was totally unimaginable.
She went ahead and questioned the basis of the approval and when the public was consulted before effecting the plan.
“Somebody, please tell us that is not true. In which insane world do you devour Uhuru Park to build a highway to ease congestion for 12% of motorists?
What about a light rail instead? When was public participation done?” she questioned.
Somebody, please tell us that is not true. In which insane world do you devour Uhuru Park to build a highway to ease congestion for 12% of motorists? What about a light rail instead? When was public participation done? #leaveuhuruparkalone https://t.co/jlKxklgQAj
— Dr. Roselyn Akombe (@DrRoselynAkombe) October 21, 2019
Akombe further regretted the death of Professor Wangari Maathai, a renowned Kenyan social, environmental and political activist, saying if she was alive such projects would have been dismissed with the contempt it deserves.
“Too bad that our laureate and mentor Prof. Wangari Maathai is no longer here to lead us in opposing this encroachment. That baton was passed to us,” tweeted Akombe.
Detailed plans show that the expressway will devour part of Uhuru Park, bruise Hotel Boulevard and course through the University of Nairobi where it will dwarf Papal Dais used by Pope Francis in November 2015 during his visit to Kenya.
The agreement of the road signed between KENHA and China Roads and Bridge Company (CRBC) has received czar criticism from a section of Kenyans who took to social media to oppose the plan.
CRBC will construct and operate the expressway for 30 years whereby they will hand the project to the government in 2049.
The Chinese company is expected to mint a total of Ksh102 billion in a deal where they are insulated from competition, taxes and losses.
Here are some of the reactions from Kenyans:
This is unforgivable. Leave Uhuru Park alone. Where are environmentalists? Are they all dead? What will Wangari Maathai think? #LeaveUhuruParkAlone please for the sake of this and future generations. pic.twitter.com/QOyfzsjNDs
— Ahmed Mohamed ((ASMALi)) (@Asmali77) October 21, 2019
This monster must be stopped if it endangers Uhuru Park. It can go to Gatundu & pass thru Bondo for all I care. We need full disclosure of the designs, costings, benefits a d public participation. Period.
— Shree Tonyjee (@ShreeTonyjee) October 21, 2019
We should not accept to discuss this. Uhuru Park is not only a place for people to relax, its a symbol of environmental conservation that Prof. Wangari Maathai fought so hard to keep. This is where we put politics aside and tell the government to REVIEW and REPLAN
— Nduta 🔥 (@ShazieKe) October 21, 2019
Any decision by any government that makes Uhuru Park any less green should be resisted by every Kenyan. The late Prof. Wangari Maathai set the standard. Hiyo express way Kama inaguza Uhuru Park inaeza kaa. Saitan!
— Mwangi (@Mwangixtopher) October 21, 2019
We don't need that expressway to Westlands passing through or anywhere near Uhuru Park, wangari mathai strungled alot on protecting the land . If at all it's a must then wacha ikae tu!😠😡 tujikaze na jam tu.@Profmutisya
— Mkuu Wa Jeshi (@TheDuke_017) October 21, 2019
Details about the Nairobi expressway:
It will cut through Uhuru Park.
Users will pay a toll fee.
It will be under the Chinese for 30yrs; within this period no project that will affect it's profitability will be implemented.Someone tell Uhuru we're okay with the traffic jams! pic.twitter.com/8aMy8WHAQD
— Duncan Makori 🇰🇪 (@EngnrDan) October 21, 2019