Kamukunji, home of political pluralism neglected

NAIROBI: Twenty-five years ago, Kamukunji grounds was a no-go zone, cordoned off by overzealous security forces determined to block pro-reform leaders from accessing the venue for a political rally.

But Tuesday, there were neither fired-up politicians nor police officers chasing rioting crowds. The grounds, which have been like a shrine for the struggle for the second liberation, were quiet with just a few people catching a nap.  

Kamukunji is not only a recreation place but a bedroom to many residents who work night shifts. Those interviewed by The Standard said they were watchmen in the City Centre and the nearby Muthurwa and Gikomba Markets.

"I am a watchman and I can't afford to rent a house. I sleep here during the day before going back to work at night," said Stanley Kiilu.

It used to host the protests initially called by former Ford-Asili leader Kenneth Matiba and subsequent ones spearheaded by Kenya's first Vice President Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and fellow founder members of the original Forum for Restoration of Democracy (Ford), including Philip Gachoka, George Nthenge, Martin Shikuku and Ahmed Salim Bahmariz, with 1990 being the climax.

But as other parts of the city are being beautified ahead of US President Barack Obama's visit to the country later this month, Kamukunji seems forgotten.

Walter Mong'are, Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero's communications director, however, said he was not aware that the once-famed park was in a bad condition but promised that the county would act.

He said: "We will send a team there to establish its status. I am sorry if it is in bad shape. Something will definitely be done."

But now, the park is a pale shadow of its former self. It is now home to parking boys who have designated themselves specific areas.

In 2013, the defunct Nairobi City Council and the then ministry of Nairobi Metropolitan embarked on a Sh30 million rehabilitation plan that saw the park fenced and trees planted. The seats that were placed there now serve as beds for street families.

Felix Kirimi, who lives at the park, said a lot has changed since the advent of multi-party politics in the country.

"Hapa kulikuwa kunajaa watu. Unasema leo ni Saba Saba na hakuna watu, (there used to be a lot of people here. You say it is Saba Saba today and there are no people)," he said.

A large tree at the edge of the park where the podium used to be set now remains littered, with overgrown flowers almost submerging the place.

Kirimi wondered why politicians who include Coalition for Reform and Democracy leader Raila Odinga and Siaya Senator James Orengo no longer visit the place.

"I remember Mr Orengo was dipped into the river in one of the rallies that turned chaotic. All shops around here would be closed and people did not even fear police officers who were armed. In those days, people were fearless," he said, shaking his head.

In one corner, a parking boy popularly known as fundi has established a makeshift home. He lives alone and has a well-made garden of sugar cane at the back of his makeshift house.

For Paul Kabuko, the grounds have served him well. He bathes at the nearby Nairobi River after work. He is a hand-cart pusher whose income is spent on food, but nothing remains to afford a rental house.

"We have nylon materials that we use to protect ourselves from rain and cold. It has been this way for a long time and I am used to it," he said.

Chama Cha Mwananchi party leader Koigi wa Wamwere said Kamukunji defined the politics of this country and urged both the national and Nairobi County governments to rehabilitate it. "Kenya's history will not be complete if Kamukunji is not in the picture," he said.