David Maraga Arrested: Here Is What We Know So Far

Former Chief Justice David Maraga has been arrested outside Nairobi National Park during a protest against the construction of a parking lot inside the protected conservation area.

The arrest occurred a few hours after Maraga announced he would lead a peaceful procession to the Nairobi National Park in protest against the construction of the parking lot.

“Join us tomorrow as we march to protect Nairobi National Park from this thieving regime. Let’s restore Nairobi as the green City,” Maraga stated.

However, nine other protesters have also been arrested alongside the former CJ.

Maraga Arrested Outside National Park

Maraga had joined the members of Green Belt Movement (GBM) who had gathered to oppose the proposed allocation of part of the parkland, raising concerns over environmental protection and the future of Kenya’s protected wildlife spaces.

The GBM members argued that the project threatens wildlife conservation efforts and could set a dangerous precedent for further encroachment into protected areas.

Also Read: Government Warns Counties Over Control of Tsavo National Parks

Environmental activists further accused authorities of weakening environmental protection laws, saying the proposed development reflects a broader pattern of encroachment on protected land.

“To destroy a protected upland forest to create access roads and a large parking area fundamentally contradicts the very purpose of conservation.”

They called for the immediate suspension of any plans to alter the park’s boundaries or introduce infrastructure projects that could affect its ecosystem.

“This is not merely a development decision. It is an existential threat to one of Kenya’s most iconic ecological treasures. Nairobi National Park is a living symbol of Kenya’s natural heritage, a globally unique protected area bordering a capital city and a critical refuge for biodiversity.”

The movement demanded the immediate suspension of all clearing and construction within Nairobi National Park and full public disclosure of the Environmental Impact Assessment and approvals.

GBM also demanded that the government explore alternative sites outside protected areas.

KWS Clears 76 Acres Inside Nairobi National Park for New Facilities

Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) is clearing approximately 76 acres of indigenous upland forest inside Nairobi National Park, following a National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) license approving the conversion of 31 hectares previously classified as a protected Low Use Zone.

Also Read: KWS Announces Discounted Entry Offer for Students Until July 31

The cleared land will house a relocated Nairobi Animal Orphanage, featuring modern wildlife hospital facilities and more natural enclosures, alongside an 8-acre parking lot serving both the orphanage and the nearby Ksh41.9 billion Bomas International Convention Center (BICC).

A pedestrian overpass across Lang’ata Road is also planned, linking the park’s new conservation space directly to the commercial convention complex, raising questions among critics about the boundary between wildlife conservation and large-scale commercial infrastructure.

However, the conservation groups and environmentalists have pushed back sharply, arguing the clearing threatens fragile ecosystems and violates park zoning rules and existence for future generations.

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