The Lions Garden has been a topic of discussion for the better part of this year, with most people welcoming the decision by the County Government to rehabilitate the recreational park that is found in the heart of the city.

The rehabilitation started on November of 2023. Fast forward to a year later, Mtaa Wangu made a visit to the Gardens that is slowly taking shape.

The Garden has been partitioned with walking pavements, surrounded with grass growing all around the park. On the walls are murals that depict the authenticity of Nakuru as a creative city.

Also, there are stalls that have been erected along two sides of the perimeter wall.

Some of the stalls erected in Lions Garden.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

However, the presence of these stalls has sparked significant controversy in recent months, leading to a dispute between the county administration and local environmental activists, as well as some residents.

The primary concern among critics is that the park should remain a dedicated recreational space. They argue that the stalls could compromise the park’s purpose.

On the other hand, the County Government contends that the stalls offer a potential boost to the local economy, particularly by supporting small businesses and creating employment opportunities.

As tensions grew, the matter was taken the courts.

Mural art painted on a section of a wall in Lions Garden.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

The Trusted Society of Human Rights Alliance, a local advocacy group, filed a case hoping for judicial intervention.

John Githanga, a Nakuru resident, has also moved to court, seeking an order for the County Government to restore the park to its original state and halt the installation of the stalls.

The case was first mentioned on November 5 before Justice Millicent Odeny at the Environment and Land Court in Nakuru.

However, the Attorney General, representing the County Government, failed to file a defence or attend the proceedings.

As a result, the case was adjourned, with the next mention scheduled for December 4, 2024.

Court issues temporary orders to stop construction of stalls in Lions Garden

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Bret Sanya