'Bring them down!': Nakuru residents displeased by stalls in Lions garden

It’s a new dawn in Nakuru, but the same issues are pinching Wanainchi.

Lions Garden has been undergoing a yearlong renovation and now in its final leg, the county administration decided to put up stalls that would welcome businesses in the public recreational spot, a move that has not pleased residents.

Last week, Mtaa Wangu reported that construction continues despite pending court cases, triggering significant public debate online.

At the top of the list is Nakuru’s renowned environmentalist, James Wakibia, who has been on the government’s neck since then.

“Those stalls should be removed. They have been erected in the wrong place,” he comments on Facebook.

Harry Bosire insistently notes that “this inclination towards disorder and acrimony over land set aside for public utility speaks volumes about our mentality and retrogressive nature.”

David Ngugi says “The upgrade is welcome but not those stalls. What purpose will the stalls serve in a recreational city garden beyond turning it into a few hawkers’ paradise? Flatten the said stalls let the garden be... It's our most famous address for relaxation and directing visitors.”

On his part, Kiiru Wathika notes “Soon they will allow matatu to park inside...totally unacceptable.”

Mc Meso says “the sitting County government idea of a City ni Vibanda....”

Rashid Gakuru provides a different outlook and recommends “remove stall ...weka viti wazee wapate Mahali ya kupumzika...”

Lastly, Mainah 'Wa' Nyumu, blatantly comments, “Upgrade ang'owaaaa?? This is nothing close to upgrade, Susan Kihika must be stopped, a 'mother' who eats even the future of 'her children' can only be a stepmother, huyu mama wetu wa kambo Anakula chakula ya mtoto na kulamba Mpaka sahani, she is messing with our green space, not acceptable.”

With two residents awaiting judicial intervention on the matter they brought before court, all they can do is now hope that the scales of justice will tip in their favour and the recreation park remains just that.