A coalition of civil society and environmental organisations has intensified pressure on the government following the arrest of former Chief Justice David Maraga and several activists during demonstrations against plans affecting Nairobi National Park, describing the move as an attack on constitutional freedoms and environmental justice.
Highlights
- Civil society groups want David Maraga and other activists released immediately.
- Protesters opposed plans to remove part of Nairobi National Park for development.
- Rights organisations say peaceful demonstrations are protected by the Constitution.
- Environmental groups warn the project could threaten wildlife conservation.
- Activists are demanding public participation before any decision on the park is made.
Main Story
Coalition Condemns Arrests
Human rights and environmental organisations have strongly criticised the arrest of former Chief Justice David Maraga and eight other activists who participated in demonstrations opposing the planned excision of land from Nairobi National Park.
The coalition, made up of organisations including conservation and governance groups, argued that the arrests undermine democratic freedoms and discourage public participation in matters affecting national resources.
Opposition to Park Land Excision
The demonstrators gathered to challenge a proposal that would see roughly 76 acres removed from Nairobi National Park to pave the way for the Bomas International Convention Centre project and a large parking facility.
Conservation campaigners argue that reducing the park’s protected land could weaken wildlife conservation efforts and open the door to additional encroachment on one of Kenya’s most significant ecological sites.
Calls for Constitutional Rights to Be Respected
The organisations maintained that Kenyans have a constitutional right to peaceful assembly and to participate in decisions affecting public property and the environment.
They called for the immediate and unconditional release of everyone arrested during the demonstrations while urging authorities to ensure transparent environmental assessments and public consultation before any project proceeds.
The coalition insisted that the future of Nairobi National Park should be determined through open engagement, stressing that the protected area must remain safeguarded for future generations.
Maraga later confirmed that he had been detained while taking part in a peaceful procession aimed at presenting a petition to the Kenya Wildlife Service opposing the proposed land excision.
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