Concerns have continued to rise after fresh claims emerged that the government is secretly planning to lease Jamhuri Park to a private Chinese investor.
The allegations were brought to light by Narok Senator Ledama Olekina, who accused the state of trying to hand over public land without consulting Kenyans.
Speaking during a Senate session, the senator expressed deep disappointment over what he described as a betrayal of public trust and an insult to citizens who value their national spaces.
Ledama said it was unfortunate that in a modern and well-informed society, such critical decisions could still be made behind closed doors.
He pointed out that Jamhuri Park is not just a piece of land but a public symbol that holds national importance.
For years, the park has been used for national celebrations, exhibitions, and other public events that bring Kenyans together. The senator warned that turning it into a privately owned space could deny citizens access to a place that is part of their heritage.
He also challenged his fellow senators and government officials to take a closer look at the matter by visiting the lands office and checking the actual ownership records.
Ledama insisted that the issue should not be handled through empty discussions in the Senate chambers alone but through real investigations that would reveal the truth behind the reported deal. He asked the Senate Lands Committee to visit the office of the surveyor and confirm whether any documents have been processed to support the alleged lease.
The senator’s remarks sparked public interest and concern among Kenyans who have in recent years grown sensitive about government deals involving public property. Many citizens believe that most public lands have been taken over through corruption and backdoor agreements.
If the claims about Jamhuri Park are confirmed, it would not only raise questions about transparency in government but also about the growing influence of foreign investors on national assets.
Ledama’s message was clear that Kenya should not allow foreign control of its public spaces under the disguise of investment. He reminded the government that economic partnerships should not come at the cost of national pride and public ownership.
According to him, there must be respect for public opinion and clear communication whenever state property is involved in any transaction. He emphasized that Kenyans have a right to know what is happening to their public land and to participate in such decisions.
The matter has now opened a wider debate on how national resources are managed and whether there are proper checks to prevent misuse of public property. Kenyans are waiting for the government’s official statement on the issue, hoping for transparency and accountability in the handling of Jamhuri Park’s future.