Activists Press for Answers as Trees Fall at Uhuru Gardens, Mombasa

Mombasa County has allegedly begun cutting down old, dry trees in Uhuru Gardens, sparking concern from environmentalists and human rights groups.

According to a source, the trees provided extensive shade and served as a habitat for one of Kenya’s most important bat colonies.

Consequently, environmental and human rights advocates along the coast are seeking explanations from the Mombasa County government after old trees were cut down at Uhuru Gardens.

Situated in the heart of Mombasa's central business area, Uhuru Gardens stands as one of the limited remaining open green areas on Mombasa Island.

The trees within the park serve as a crucial habitat for a significant bat population, according to environmentalists who argue that these bats have an essential ecological function.

The bats are classified as an endangered species, and the trees where they live play a crucial role in regulating Mombasa’s microclimate by offering shade and decreasing heat levels.

Early Thursday morning, around 30 young men arrived at the park armed with power saws and started felling the trees.

"They stated that 19 trees were designated for removal and that they possessed approval from the county government," explained Francis Auma, a quick-response officer at Muslims for Human Rights (Muhuri).

Auma, one of the initial activists to reach the location, stated that the young individuals had threatened to attack him.

Auma mentioned that among the felled trees was one that had stood for more than a century, was in good condition, and posed no risk to people.

" Uhuru Gardens carries a troubling past; it was seized in the 1990s. We fear this might be yet another effort to take over the land under the pretense of removing vegetation," he stated.

In 2014, the ownership rights were handed over to the county administration following two decades of legal disputes.

Activists Francis Auma, Khelef Khalifa, and Dr. Mwinga Chokwe inspect the felled tree at Uhuru Gardens in Mombasa / CHARLES MGHENYI

The seasoned activist Khelef Khalifa mentioned that the people responsible for felling the trees looked skilled and as though they were part of the logging industry.

The logs have been prepared with great skill. It appears this was definitely a commercial venture," he stated. He expressed his doubts about the logic of the activity. "From examining just the remains of the trunk, it's evident that the tree was thriving. We question whether it presented any risk.

He stated, "The county ought to have initiated public consultation and acquired a permit from the Kenya Forest Service prior to removing any trees."

Grace Oloo, an additional activist, mentioned that she reached out to Mombasa Deputy Governor Francis Thoya, who confirmed to her that the cutting of trees had been stopped.

Thoya additionally holds the position of an executive member for the Mombasa Environmental department. She stated, "It is crucial to understand the reasons behind the deforestation."

Dr. Mwinga Chokwe, who established the Clean Mombasa CBO, was shocked by the incident.

"Mombasa has largely depleted its tree population. Since Uhuru Gardens is owned publicly, the local administration cannot remove any trees without consulting the community," stated Dr. Chokwe.

He remarked, "Losing all our tree coverage would lead to increasing urban heat." He pressed for the county to prioritize urgent matters instead. "Rather than removing trees, the local government ought to concentrate on tidying up the city, disposing waste, repairing streets, and combating diseases like dengue and cholera," he stated.

Dr. Chokwe commented, "It seems likely this could be an effort to take control of the park. They should clarify their intentions."

The inspection officials removed the logs from the felled tree as evidence / CHARLES MGHENYI

The Mombasa inspectorate officials are guarding the location where the tree was felled at Uhuru Gardens / CHARLES MGHENYI

Nevertheless, Charles Changawa, who serves as the Director of the Mombasa County Inspectorate, refuted the notion that the county administration had sanctioned the operation.

"We got the reports and hurried over to the park. When we reached there, the young people were gone. However, two trees had already been chopped down," he stated.

Changawa also mentioned that an inquiry has been initiated and county officials have been dispatched to ensure the safety of the park.

"Our investigative team has already arrived at the location. We anticipate having an initial report ready within the coming 24 hours," he stated.

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