Tension is rising in Nairobi’s Westlands after reports emerged of plans to cut down a historic Mugumo tree to pave way for a 40-storey apartment complex.
The tree, long regarded as sacred in Kikuyu culture and a symbol of heritage and environmental conservation, now faces possible destruction.
Residents say contractors linked to a foreign national and a local developer have already moved onto a nearby property, erected hoardings, and begun demolishing an existing structure.
Heavy machinery has been spotted at the site in recent days, raising fears that the Mugumo tree could be the next casualty.
What is fuelling even greater concern is the tree’s history. The same Mugumo, believed to be over a century old, was previously spared during the construction of the Nairobi Expressway after public pressure forced a change in plans.
Authorities at the time adjusted the project to protect the tree, acknowledging its cultural and environmental importance.
Fresh developments on the ground now show that demolition has already taken place at the former post office site adjacent to the tree.
The area has been sealed off with blue iron sheet hoarding, while informal traders who once operated along the stretch have been pushed to the roadside, displaying goods along the pavement as activity intensifies behind the barrier.
Residents say the pace of work has raised alarm, with fears growing that the clearing of the post office land is the first phase of a larger plan that could ultimately threaten the Mugumo tree.
“This is how it starts — first the structures go down, then the land is cleared, and before you know it, the tree is gone,” said one trader at the scene.
Environmentalists and legal experts warn that interfering with such a site without proper public participation and an environmental impact assessment would be unlawful.
Urban planners have also raised concerns about the proposed high-rise, warning it could strain Westlands’ already stretched infrastructure, including traffic, water supply, and sewer systems.
Attempts to reach the developer for comment were unsuccessful by the time of publication.
So far, multiple reports says that there are some encroachments of Posta Kenya Properties contrary to the law
Environmental groups are now calling for immediate investigations and urging authorities to halt any activity that could threaten the tree. Some have vowed to mobilize the public to protect it.
As pressure builds, attention is turning to the government and local leaders to determine whether the development will proceed or the Mugumo tree will once again be protected.