Leaders Push for Uhuru Gardens to Serve as Final Resting Place for Legends

A group of leaders, including politicians, veteran sportsmen, and national heroes, has urged the government to set aside a section of the Uhuru Gardens National Monument & Museum to honour the country’s heroes and heroines.

Speaking while honouring the late veteran journalist Leonard Mambo Mbotela at his home, the leaders stated that a central place should be created to recognise sportsmen and other legends.

The CEO of the National Heroes Council, Charles Wambia, argued that the protocol should be for the government to decide with a long-term vision of establishing a dedicated site to honour heroes like Mambo Mbotela and others across the nation.

Heeding the calls, Muhoroni MP James Onyango stated that it was a good suggestion and that the proposal would be taken to Parliament for consideration.

“We learn every day, and today we have heard about the issue of lack of recognition and cemeteries. It is a good suggestion, and we will see how to take it to Parliament for implementation,” Onyango assured.

The National Heroes Council has revealed that it will be partnering with the National Museums of Kenya, the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation, and other like-minded institutions to develop an exhibition at the National Museums of Kenya.

“We should create a meaningful tribute to the contributions made by Mambo Mbotela and other heroes,” Wambia said.

Echoing the leaders’ sentiments, Jimmy Mbotela, Mambo Mbotela’s son, called on the government to establish a dedicated place in the future where Mashujaas can be remembered.

Leaders, including Members of the National Assembly, on Thursday honoured the late Mambo Mbotela by dedicating part of the afternoon to celebrating the journalist.

The government’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Eliud Owalo, who had visited Mambo Mbotela’s home, eulogised the Je Huu Ni Ungwana host as an iconic football commentator.

Apart from the Nairobi War Cemetery, managed by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, which serves as a burial ground for Second World War casualties, there is no designated area in the city to celebrate or honour the country’s heroes.

Uhuru Gardens is a national monument and museum with a public arena on a 68-acre piece of land in Lang’ata, 15 minutes from Nairobi city centre.

The garden is currently under the management of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).