Former Kenyan Chief Justice David Maraga Arrested During Nairobi National Park Protest
By Skika Reporter.
Former Chief Justice of Kenya David Maraga was briefly arrested on Monday during a protest in Nairobi opposing plans to excise part of Nairobi National Park for a major infrastructure development project linked to the expansion of Bomas of Kenya.
Maraga was detained along Lang’ata Road near Bomas of Kenya, where environmental activists and civil society groups had gathered to submit a petition to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) against the proposed allocation of 76 acres of park land for development.
The disputed land is earmarked for the expansion of the Ksh.41.9 billion Bomas of Kenya project and the relocation of the Nairobi Animal Orphanage, a plan that has triggered widespread opposition from conservationists who warn it could permanently damage the integrity of one of the world’s most unique urban wildlife ecosystems.
Eyewitnesses said plain-clothed police officers moved in during the demonstration, dispersing protesters and arresting several participants, including Maraga.
According to activist Njeri Mwangi, at least nine demonstrators were taken to Lang’ata Police Station following the operation. She said the group had gathered to oppose what they described as a lack of public participation in the land allocation process.
“We know they plan to use 76 acres to build a parking space, and it should not happen because it did not have any public participation,” she said.
Video footage circulating on social media showed Maraga being escorted into a police vehicle while dressed in a green T-shirt associated with the United Green Movement party and holding twigs, as protesters chanted “Long live the park.”
Maraga was later released, but reports indicate he briefly refused to leave the police station until all detained activists were freed.
“I will not leave this station until all those detained are released,” he reportedly said.
The protest has intensified public debate over the government’s proposed redevelopment of Bomas of Kenya into a modern convention facility, a flagship project estimated at Ksh.42 billion.
Members of the National Assembly Tourism and Wildlife Committee have previously raised concerns about the scale, cost, and transparency of the project, calling for greater accountability and public consultation.
Environmental groups argue that reducing the size of Nairobi National Park could undermine conservation efforts and Kenya’s reputation as a global leader in wildlife protection, particularly in maintaining an urban national park located within a capital city.
Maraga, who has declared interest in Kenya’s 2027 presidential race, has in recent months become increasingly visible in civic activism, including participation in demonstrations on governance and human rights issues.
The incident adds to growing tensions in Kenya over balancing infrastructure development with environmental conservation and the role of public participation in major national decisions.
