Labour CS Alfred Mutua has expressed 'shock' at what he termed the "dilapidated" state of Machakos People's Park, blaming the current county administration for neglecting the facility.
Speaking during an impromptu tour of the park on Tuesday, the former Machakos Governor said the once iconic park had been abandoned and left to ruin.
"Nilikua nasikia watu wakiita Snake Park. Nilikua ninadhani wanaonea gavana na serikali yake ili ionekane kuwa chama chake ya kisiasa na uongozi wake ziko na shida," Mutua said.
The CS noted that the park's fence had been vandalised, grass had dried up, and the entire area had become bushy, posing a security risk to visitors.
"Today, sadly, it is a shadow of what it once was. It breaks my heart to see a facility that was built with public resources and great vision allowed to deteriorate to such a level that people now jokingly refer to it as a 'snake park,'" Mutua said.
Mutua, who transformed the park during his tenure as governor, said the facility was once "the pride of Machakos" where families relaxed and visitors experienced the beauty of the county.
The CS urged Governor Wavinya Ndeti to allow him to rehabilitate the park.
"I urge Wavinya Ndeti, if she is defeated, let her give me permission for one week. I will come with my personal resources and make this park what it was because public money was used to construct it for the people," he said.
Mutua said leadership should be judged by results, not rhetoric.
He also cited challenges at Machakos Level 5 Hospital, including a nurses' strike and lack of drugs.
"Nikashindwa hata kama gavana haoni, naibu wake haoni, seneta haoni, wabunge hawaoni?" he posed.
Governor Ndeti has, however, dismissed Mutua's sentiments as "theatrics."
"It's laughable to watch former Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua, now a CS, attempt to resurrect his long dormant 'Cobra Squad' filming career apparently at a time when his political fortunes with UDA appear increasingly uncertain," Ndeti said.
During his 10 years as governor, Mutua marketed the People's Park as a flagship project under his Maendeleo Chap administration.
The park featured fountains, gardens, an amphitheatre for film production and recreational facilities.
Mutua said development is not just about launching projects but maintaining them.
"Leadership must ultimately be judged by results, not rhetoric or promises," he concluded.
