Environmental and human rights activists in Mombasa are preparing to challenge the felling of a historic tree over 30 years old in the Polana area near Splendid, citing what they describe as reckless destruction of urban greenery.

Led by Clean Mombasa CBO Chairperson Dr. Mwinga Chokwe, the activists plan to file a lawsuit at the Land and Environment Court targeting both the contractor and the owner of the adjacent building responsible for authorising the tree’s removal.

“This tree was more than shade—it was part of our urban heritage. Holding the investor accountable sends a clear message: no one can cut trees indiscriminately in Mombasa,” Dr. Chokwe said.

He also called on the county government to actively encourage tree planting and enforce measures to protect urban greenery.

Joining the effort is Francis Auma, a human rights defender from Muslims for Human Rights (MUHURI), who criticised the county for permitting what he described as “reckless felling” of trees across the city. “We will take this matter to court to ensure accountability and safeguard the city’s environment,” Auma said.

Environmentalist Debora Chapia added that historic and large trees in Mombasa must be legally protected, warning that their destruction threatens the city’s environmental balance, particularly given the rising urban temperatures.

The tree was removed on Sunday to facilitate reconstruction of the old Polana building along Haile Selassie Avenue, despite earlier warnings from environmental activists.

The incident has sparked wider debate over how urban development projects are planned and executed, highlighting the tension between infrastructure expansion and environmental preservation in Mombasa.