GBM Blog

Plan to fell Ol Kalou tree planted by Mzee Kenyatta and one in memory of Wangari Maathai opposed

July 10, 2018 - 11:20AM
Published by Communications

A team from Green Belt Movement, accompanied by Mau Mau veterans and Ol Kalou town traders, on Friday stopped a contractor from cutting down a tree in Ol Kalou town to pave way for a county beautification project.

Singing Mau Mau war songs, the veterans surrounded the tree shielding it from a contractor hired to cut it down.

The veterans said the indigenous tree was planted by the late Mzee Jomo Kenyatta in 1952 and is a historical site as well as a symbol of Ol Kalou town.

The residents are also opposed to cutting down of another tree, Podo tree, planted in honour of environmentalist Wangari Maathai after her death.

A trader, Mr David Wanjohi, said he bought the tree at Sh1,000 and planted in the area in honour of the late Maathai.

The local ward representative Ken Mukira supported the residents, saying the tree should be preserved.