Leaders Propose Uhuru Gardens as National Heroes' Cemetery

A coalition of prominent leaders, including politicians, veteran sports figures, and national icons, has formally urged the government to establish a dedicated section at the Uhuru Gardens National Monument & Museum to commemorate the country’s heroes and heroines.

This call to action was made during a memorial service for the late veteran journalist Leonard Mambo Mbotela, held at his residence, where the importance of a centralized tribute space was emphasized. Charles Wambia, the CEO of the National Heroes Council, advocates for a comprehensive, government-led initiative designed to honour individuals such as Mambo Mbotela and other esteemed figures in Kenyan history.

This initiative has gained traction, with Muhoroni MP James Onyango expressing his commitment to present the proposal in Parliament. He further highlights the urgent need for recognition and established burial sites for the nation’s heroes. In a collaborative effort, the National Heroes Council intends to partner with the National Museums of Kenya, the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation, and other relevant agencies to create an exhibition at the National Museums of Kenya.

Wambia notes the significance of developing a thoughtful tribute to the contributions made by Mambo Mbotela and other notable personalities. Jimmy Mbotela, the son of the late journalist, echoes the sentiments of other leaders, advocating for a designated space for future generations to honour the nation’s heroes. On the previous Thursday, members of the National Assembly, accompanied by other leaders, paid homage to Mambo Mbotela, dedicating part of their afternoon to celebrating his enduring legacy.

Deputy Chief of Staff Eliud Owalo also visited Mbotela’s home to honour his memory, praising him as a legendary football commentator and the host of the renowned program "Je Huu Ni Ungwana." Owalo’s remarks highlight Mambo Mbotela’s substantial influence on Kenyan journalism and sports commentary. Currently, Nairobi lacks a specific venue dedicated to celebrating the nation's heroes, with the only exception being the Nairobi War Cemetery, managed by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, which serves as a burial site for Second World War casualties.

The proposed plan to allocate a section of the Uhuru Gardens to commemorate the country’s heroes and heroines aims to fill this void. Uhuru Gardens is a national monument and museum overseen by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and spreads across a 68-acre area in Lang’ata.