Former Kenyan Chief Justice David Maraga Arrested at Nairobi National Park Protest

David Maraga, Kenya's former Chief Justice, was among ten individuals arrested on Monday during a protest against development within Nairobi National Park. The demonstrators were opposing what activists claim is a plan to construct a 1,300-vehicle car park and an expanded animal orphanage on land designated for wildlife conservation.

Footage circulated on social media showed police dispersing the protest and detaining individuals, including Maraga, who was filmed being escorted into a police lorry. Maraga, who is expected to run for president in 2027, has since been released but reportedly remains at the police station, refusing to leave until the other detained activists are freed.

Contested Development Plans for Nairobi National Park

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), responsible for managing the 117-sq-km Nairobi National Park, is accused by campaigners of allocating park land to a neighbouring convention centre and planning a substantial new animal orphanage. KWS officials have vigorously defended these proposals, stating the relocated 89-acre orphanage would enhance animal welfare, veterinary training, and visitor experience. This area reportedly constitutes 0.31% of the park's total expanse.

Maraga stated on social media that the protest aimed to present a petition to KWS opposing the car park construction, asserting that "Our national heritage and environment must be safeguarded from greed and unnecessary destruction without public participation." While KWS has not commented on the car park allegations, it maintains that public consultation occurred regarding the orphanage expansion.

Human rights organisation Amnesty International, alongside environmental groups including Greenpeace Africa and The Green Belt Movement, issued a joint statement condemning the arrests of "peaceful protesters" and the "violent dispersal," branding the use of force against citizens exercising constitutional rights as unacceptable.