The once-glittering jewel of Machakos, the iconic People’s Park, has become a shadow of its former self, leaving locals both heartbroken and outraged.
The park, a beloved creation by Former Governor Dr. Alfred Mutua, once drew families, tourists, and visitors with its lush gardens, serene ambiance, and vibrant colors. Now, it’s nearly unrecognizable, as neglect has taken its toll.
Photos circulating online tell the story, overgrown grass suffocates the walkways, faded and peeling paint speaks of abandoned upkeep, and once-thriving flowers stand withered, thirsty for attention.
Local voices are raising a storm, questioning why the current administration under Governor Wavinya Ndeti has let this once lively sanctuary fall into despair.
Many see the decline as symbolic of broader shifts as one Sheddy Shadrack lamented, “I said it, you can never replace a smart mind with mediocrity… People fought Mutua, recognized as the best governor, and now Machakos looks like a village.”
Simon Mwinzi echoed the dismay, adding, “I came home after a while. I noted that even the street lights from Mombasa Road to town don’t work anymore.”
Marriam Masunga questioned why a successor would abandon this project, asking, “Why would a leader want to start fresh instead of building on existing ones?”
Another resident, David Kieti, issued a political warning, writing, “Wavinya, Wavinya… why sabotage such a good public facility? 2027 is just around the corner, a reminder though.”
In a biting comment, Elijah Mark reflected the disappointment: “Our county government is in real trouble… just compare Mutua’s reign with this one.”
Here are more comments on the state of the park;
“But Why? Is this the once-celebrated park then?” asked Andrew Achar.
“Very sad, the People’s Park gone to waste. Used to there for evening walks,” wrote Ramesh Parmar.
