Former Chief Justice of Kenya David Maraga was on Monday morning arrested outside Nairobi National Park during a protest against the proposed construction of infrastructure within the protected conservation area.
The former Chief Justice was bundled into a police vehicle shortly after joining environmental activists and other campaigners who had gathered to oppose ongoing developments linked to land use changes within the park. The incident also led to the arrest of at least nine other protesters who were present at the scene.
Eyewitness footage circulating online shows Maraga and members of his team attempting to take cover as police moved in to disperse the demonstration outside the park’s boundary. The dramatic scenes unfolded as tension escalated between protesters and security officers deployed to manage the gathering.
In the course of the operation, journalists covering the protest also reported interference, including the confiscation of equipment. Former BBC journalist Ian Wafula stated that security personnel seized a drone belonging to media teams documenting the situation at the park.
According to information surrounding the project, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) is undertaking the clearance of approximately 76 acres of indigenous upland forest within Nairobi National Park. The work follows approval from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), which issued a licence allowing the conversion of 31 hectares previously designated as a protected Low Use Zone.
The cleared area is expected to host a relocated Nairobi Animal Orphanage, complete with upgraded wildlife hospital facilities and redesigned animal enclosures intended to offer a more natural habitat environment. Plans also include the construction of an eight-acre parking facility to serve both the orphanage and the nearby Ksh41.9 billion Bomas International Convention Center.
Additionally, a pedestrian overpass across Lang’ata Road is planned to connect the conservation space to the convention centre, a development that has raised concerns among critics who argue that it blurs the line between wildlife conservation and commercial infrastructure expansion.
Environmental groups and conservation advocates have strongly opposed the project, warning that it could disrupt fragile ecosystems within the park. They argue that the clearing of indigenous forest threatens biodiversity and undermines the integrity of one of Kenya’s most iconic protected areas.
Friends of Nairobi National Park has since moved to court and petitioned the Senate, seeking to halt the project on grounds of alleged irregular approvals and lack of sufficient public participation.
Maraga, who retired as Chief Justice in January 2021, has increasingly become involved in civic activism. In recent months, he has participated in demonstrations addressing gender-based violence, governance issues, and public accountability, positioning himself as a vocal critic of state actions affecting public interest.
Authorities had not issued an official statement on the arrest by the time of publication, while activists vowed to continue opposing the construction plans until their concerns are addressed through legal and public consultation channels.
