Former Chief Justice David Maraga arrested over Nairobi National Park protest

KWS has defended the project, insisting it is a conservation investment and not a parking facility for the nearby Bomas of Kenya conference centre, as alleged by critics. 

Maraga joined hundreds of activists in opposing the project, saying that as a presidential candidate of the United Green Movement (UGM) party, he could not stand by and watch protected land being cleared under unclear circumstances.

Although the demonstrations had been approved by regional police authorities, who were present to maintain law and order, protesters alleged that plain-clothes officers later descended on the gathering and arrested several participants.

The demonstrators had planned to deliver a petition to KWS headquarters along Lang’ata Road, but the exercise was disrupted when they encountered anti-riot police officers.

“He has not been charged. We are here waiting for direction, but none of the police officers is willing to allow his advocates to see the OB. We are just waiting,” said UGM party chairperson and co-founder Agostinho Neto.

The former CJ and the other protesters were later held at Lang'ata Police Station.

Hours after their arrest, they were still waiting for the OCS. 

Speaking to the Nation while awaiting release, Maraga claimed that officers at the station were acting on instructions "from above" and that efforts to secure his release had been frustrated.

“What we understand is that the orders came from above. So even if the OCS comes, we might not be released,” he said.

According to officers at the station, however, the OCS had left on official duties before arrests were made.

Maraga was being held separately from the other detainees who were confined in police cells. He said those arrested included some of his security officers.

His lawyers, among them veteran advocate John Khaminwa were seen moving in and out of the police station in efforts to secure his release.

By the time of going to press, Maraga and his colleagues were still in police custody.

KWS defends relocation plan

KWS has defended  the controversial project maintaining that it is intended to strengthen wildlife conservation and improve animal rescue and rehabilitation services.

Director-General Prof Erustus Kanga said the proposed facility seeks to address growing wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and conservation education needs that have outgrown the current orphanage established in 1964.

“The New Nairobi Animal Orphanage is not a privatisation of Nairobi National Park. It is not the alienation of protected land. It is not a private commercial or real estate development,” said Prof Kanga.

The new facility will occupy 89 acres, representing about 0.31 per cent of Nairobi National Park and is expected to cost between Sh3 billion and Sh4 billion. Construction is scheduled to begin in August and take approximately 18 months.

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