We, the concerned citizens of Kenya and the Friends of Kenya's global community, urgently call for an immediate halt to the planned destruction of indigenous trees at Uhuru Gardens, Mombasa.

On May 30th, 2025, residents of Mombasa were shocked to witness the felling of healthy, mature trees at Uhuru Gardens — one of Mombasa’s last remaining green spaces and home to a critical colony of fruit bats. The trees are vital to the identity of Mombasa, and the bats are a keystone species, pollinators, helping maintain biodiversity and food security in the region.

Despite promises of public consultation, the Governor has declared that more trees — up to 19 additional ones — for “safety concerns,” citing strong winds and  claims of prior consultation with environmentalists. No credible, independent Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has been conducted or made public. There are known ways of removing dangerous limbs and branches. The cutting of healthy young trees is simply not acceptable in this age of climate emergency.

This is not an isolated incident. Kenyan forest are under attack by rogue officials who have been cleared dozens of acres of old growth forest  with devastating consequences for biodiversity, climate resilience, and public trust, and undermining the national goal of protecting 10% of forest cover and planting 15 billion trees to restore the ecology and climate of the climate vulnerable country. 

We demand:

1. An immediate moratorium on all tree cutting in Uhuru Gardens.
2. A transparent, independent EIA conducted by qualified and impartial experts, including ecologists, arborists, and urban planners.
3. Full disclosure of the county’s plans for Uhuru Gardens and genuine consultation with local stakeholders, conservationists, and communities.
4. Accountability for past and ongoing destruction, including restoration of damaged green spaces.
5. Protection of the bat colony and recognition of its ecological importance.

This is a test of leadership, transparency, and integrity. We are watching. And we will not stand by as our natural heritage is sacrificed behind closed doors and under cover of misinformation.

Uhuru means freedom. Let’s fight to keep Uhuru Gardens free — for the trees, the bats, and for every Kenyan. And free from chainsaws.

Please sign this petition and stand with the people of Mombasa and Kenya.