Former Chief Justice David Maraga Arrested During Nairobi National Park Protest

Former Chief Justice David Maraga was arrested on Monday during a protest along Lang’ata Road against a disputed development project in Nairobi National Park.

The demonstration took place on 8 June as activists gathered to oppose what they said were irregular land allocations within the park. Witnesses said Maraga was forcibly placed into a police vehicle as officers dispersed the protesters. Journalists at the scene also reported that their equipment was confiscated.

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) said it had deployed a team of lawyers to Lang’ata Police Station to seek the release of Maraga and other detained activists. LSK President Charles Kanjama described the arrests as a violation of rights protected under Article 37 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of assembly and demonstration.

The protest centred on a proposed KSh42 billion project that would involve clearing about 76 acres of indigenous forest within Nairobi National Park. Conservation groups have argued that the development, which received approval from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), threatens sensitive ecosystems and did not meet public participation requirements.

Kanjama said national heritage sites should not be managed without transparency or public accountability. He warned against decisions being made without adequate consultation and called for greater openness in the approval process.

The arrests have renewed concerns among civil society organisations about police action against protesters and activists. Environmental groups have repeatedly cautioned that development within protected areas could cause lasting damage to biodiversity, while legal experts say public consultation is essential to maintaining confidence in government decision-making.

The LSK has called for a public audit of the Bomas expansion project and an end to the harassment of activists. The dispute has intensified debate over how Kenya should balance development objectives with environmental protection and constitutional rights.