Kenya: Environmental protest ends in arrest of former chief justice

Former Kenyan Chief Justice David Maraga was arrested alongside nine other activists during a protest against alleged development plans affecting Nairobi National Park, one of Kenya’s most prominent wildlife conservation areas, as reported by BBC Africa with AFP on June 8th.

The demonstration took place on June 8th near the park, where protesters gathered to oppose what campaigners say is a proposal to build a 1,300-space car park on protected land. Maraga, who is expected to seek the presidency in Kenya’s 2027 elections, was later released but remained at a police station in solidarity with fellow detainees.

Videos shared on social media showed police dispersing demonstrators and arresting several people after protesters occupied part of a nearby highway. Footage appeared to show Maraga being escorted into a police vehicle while supporters chanted slogans in support of protecting the park.

The protest centred on concerns over development projects within Nairobi National Park, a 117-square-kilometre wildlife reserve located on the outskirts of the capital. Environmental groups have accused the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) of allocating part of the park’s land to a neighbouring convention centre and moving ahead with plans for a larger animal orphanage within the reserve.

Activists argue that such developments could undermine conservation efforts and threaten one of the country’s most important protected areas. Maraga said protesters had intended to submit a petition opposing the projects, which he described as harmful to Kenya’s environmental heritage.

KWS has defended its plans, saying the proposed orphanage would improve animal welfare, enhance veterinary training opportunities and provide a better experience for visitors. The agency says the facility would occupy only a small fraction of the park’s total area and has maintained that public consultations were conducted before the project was approved.

The arrests drew criticism from human rights and environmental organisations. Amnesty International, Greenpeace Africa, Friends of Nairobi National Park and The Green Belt Movement issued a joint statement condemning what they described as the forceful dispersal of peaceful demonstrators.

The police have not yet issued an official statement regarding the arrests.

BBC Africa with AFP, Maghrebi.org