Uhuru Park grounds where NASA intends to hold their swearing-in ceremony next week. [Photo/Capital]
Nairobi’s Uhuru Park has been closed indefinitely ahead of NASA’s swearing-in planned for next week.
The county, under the leadership of Mike Sonko, has suspended all operations, saying the park needs to undergo some renovations.
The notice reads that no gathering should take place in the area, and anyone who wants to use the grounds will be forced to find an alternative.
“Uhuru Park is scheduled to undergo renovations in order to enhance receptiveness to its visitors,” read part of the quote.
NASA CEO Norman Magaya has however said they will go on with their plans to use the grounds.
“Our resolve remains the same. We made an application to use Uhuru Park as needed by the Nairobi County. We have requisitions for us to be able to make payment today. What the governor is doing is an act of cowardice,” he said.
He added: “We want to say our swearing-in ceremony will take place at Uhuru Park starting 8 am at Uhuru Park. We do not intend to look for another venue,”
According to Magaya, there is overbearing pressure from the Jubilee Party to the county government not to allow NASA to use the grounds.
They have however insisted that they will not succumb to arm-twisting and blackmail from the government.