JUST IN: Former Chief Justice David Maraga Arrested​​

A former Chief Justice was arrested on Monday morning, June 8, after joining a protest against planned infrastructure development inside Nairobi National Park.

Footage shows the former CJ together with members of his campaign team attempting to take cover as police moved in outside the park. He was later bundled into a police vehicle. Several other protesters were also arrested during the operation.

The demonstration was directed at ongoing works by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), which is clearing about 76 acres of indigenous upland forest inside the park. The project is being carried out under approval from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), which granted a licence to convert 31 hectares previously designated as a protected Low Use Zone.

Authorities say the cleared land will be used to relocate the Nairobi Animal Orphanage and develop modern wildlife medical facilities, including more natural enclosures for animals. The wider project also includes an eight-acre parking area intended to serve both the orphanage and the nearby Ksh41.9 billion Bomas International Convention Centre.

Plans further include a pedestrian overpass across Lang’ata Road to connect the park’s new conservation area with the convention centre, a development that has sparked debate over the balance between conservation and commercial infrastructure.

Environmental groups have raised strong objections, warning that the clearing could disrupt fragile ecosystems and undermine long-standing park protection rules. They argue the process has not followed proper environmental safeguards.

Friends of Nairobi National Park has since petitioned the Senate and filed cases in the High Court, citing concerns over procurement procedures and insufficient public participation in the project.