The callousness with which a few misguided Kenyans are destroying the nation's national heritage, in its varied form, is exasperatingly short-sighted, selfish and stupid.

The arrogant disregard for the nation's treasures gives the impression the country is on a suicide mission, with little, if any concern for its future generations. 

The evil can be seen in the wanton tree felling, which is rapidly affecting the region's climatic patterns, the pollution of our rivers, depriving millions of clean drinking water, and the grabbing of public parks.

And all this for what? Political mileage for parochial interests on one hand, and money for the growing numbers of get-rich-quick lumberjacks and charcoal-burners. 

The fact that these activities are, more often than not, conducted at the behest, or with the blessings of the authorities, is depressing. It fuels the fear that, perhaps, ours is not a government of the people for the people by the people. Why else would a government and institutions we call our own, initiate or allow activities that threaten our future?

Take for example last weekend's felling of two 60-year-old acacia trees at City Hall. Was it necessary that the trees that had grown with the city's seat of power be felled without consultation, and with no notice? Or are we being told City Hall is now a law unto itself and to hell with public opinion?

We hope the anger and revulsion sparked by this dastardly act will sober up City Council bosses on the novelty of consultation and common sense, which, we are constrained to believe, is not that common at City Hall.

The destruction of this historic landmark at a time when residents are struggling to return Nairobi to its glory days as the "Green City in the Sun" is bad enough and should not be repeated elsewhere.