KWS rules out name change for Hell’s Gate National Park

NO NAME CHANGE FOR HELLS GATE NATIONAL PARK
Kenya Wildlife Service has ruled out a name change for the Hells Gate National Park on Mt. Longonot at the bottom of the Great African Rift Valley, following the recent tragedy when 7 youngsters were caught in flash floods during a team building exercise and drowned.
Kenya Vice President Musyoka had earlier in the week demanded such a change, but stood swiftly accused of attempting to profiteer politically and trying to boost his flagging fortunes as a candidate for the presidential election due either late this year or early next year no date has yet been set.
Said a regular source from Nairobi: The tourism sector has always known that park as Hells Gate for its rugged scenery and challenging hikes and climbs. The vice president, with due respect, should shut up and stay out of such a tragic event, let him offer condolences but refrain from talking rubbish and asking for a name change to improve his popularity. He will never be a front runner for president, pure and simple and this was a very transparent attempt to us an accident to promote himself. We agree with KWS, that name has to remain.
KWS Chief Executive Dr. Julius Kipngetich spoke on the issue when launching the countdown of the annual wheel barrow race at Hells Gate National Park, which is aimed to raise funds for park improvements and to add more facilities and will take place on 16th June. He said: We dont not have such plans as the name is gazetted and in our law. Participants in the launch function reportedly observed a minute of silence to pay their respects to the flash flood victims and Dr. Kipngetich expressed his personal sorrow and condolences to the families and friends of the 7 young people who had drowned.