Former Chief Justice David Maraga was arrested on Monday, June 8, outside Nairobi National Park along Lang’ata Road while taking part in a protest against the construction of a parking facility within the protected area.
He was arrested alongside several other demonstrators by police officers, some of whom were in plain clothes, who surrounded the group before bundling them into a police lorry.
Video footage captured at the scene shows officers restraining the protesters moments before the arrest.
Maraga had earlier announced plans to lead a peaceful procession to the national park, stating that the demonstration was aimed at opposing developments he said would undermine environmental conservation and threaten the integrity of the protected ecosystem.
The protest comes amid increasing opposition from environmental groups and activists over the proposed construction linked to the Bomas International Convention Centre (BICC).
The groups have raised concerns over reports that large sections of land within or near the park are being cleared to pave the way for a parking facility and related infrastructure.
Environmental advocates warn that the project could result in habitat destruction, biodiversity loss, and long-term ecological imbalance in one of Kenya’s most sensitive wildlife zones.
They argue that Nairobi National Park, being uniquely located adjacent to the capital city, should be strictly protected from encroachment.
The groups have since called for the immediate suspension of all construction activities within the park and demanded full public disclosure of environmental impact assessments and approvals.
They have also urged the government to consider alternative sites outside protected areas to safeguard the ecosystem.
