- Kisumu City Management vows to stop attempts by private developers to grab Baby Pendo Park.
- City Manager Fredrick Mariwa warns that any titles or leases issued over the public land will be null and void.
- Residents urged to report suspicious activities and avoid land transactions involving the park.
Kisumu City management has strongly condemned attempts by private developers to grab the Baby Pendo Public Recreational Park within the city.
In a statement, City Manager Fredrick Mariwa stressed that the city administration will use all legal means to protect the public utility, or any other within its jurisdiction. Mariwa said the management has received credible reports that unauthorised individuals are attempting to claim the park, which is located within the city centre.
The city boss said the County Government of Kisumu rehabilitated the park and planted trees there about four years ago. “And we wonder why some person or people would make such attempts now on that public utility,” Mariwa said.
He added that the public space holds immense historical, emotional and social significance for Kisumu residents. It is named in honour of Baby Pendo, who was killed by police during previous post-election violence in the city. According to Mariwa, the park is a symbol of peace and justice for the local community, particularly the residents of Kisumu city.
“We want to make it unequivocally clear that Baby Pendo Park is, and will remain, public land. Any titles, leases or subdivision documents purporting to alienate this land to private entities should be considered null and void,” Mariwa warned.
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He said the city management will not sit back and watch selfish individuals strip citizens of their right to green spaces and historical monuments. Mariwa also said the management will not allow such land grabbing schemes, and he warned the public against entering into any land transactions involving the property or any public utility within the city.
He reiterated that the Kisumu City Board remains committed to the Urban Renewal Plan, which prioritises the expansion and beautification of public recreational spaces rather than their elimination.
Mariwa urged the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activities around the park or any other public utilities to city enforcement or his office immediately.
He said Kisumu City Management is the administrative body tasked with managing urban planning, public infrastructure and the delivery of essential services, to ensure a sustainable, resilient and vibrant city for all residents and visitors.
By Fredrick Odiero
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