Civil society groups demand immediate release of Maraga

Civil society groups have demanded the immediate release of former Chief Justice David Maraga and other protesters arrested during demonstrations to oppose an infrastructure project inside Nairobi National Park.

Police, however, denied they had arrested the group, stating that said they had facilitated them from the road to the station to file their petition.

“He was facilitated to the station to petition. Those who were with him joined him. No one was arrested,” said an officer at the scene.

The group was driven to the station in a police lorry.

Nonetheless, Friends of Nairobi National Park, Just Act, United Green Movement Party, The Green Belt Movement, Amnesty International Kenya, and Greenpeace Africa demanded their release.

They strongly condemn the arrest of nine peaceful protesters, including Maraga, and the violent dispersal of a peaceful procession of environmental defenders, students, and human rights activists advocating for the protection of Nairobi National Park.

“The use of force against citizens exercising their constitutional rights to peaceful assembly, expression, and public participation is unacceptable. The arrests and reported acts of intimidation against those raising legitimate concerns about the future of Nairobi National Park represent a dangerous assault on civic space and democratic participation,” the civil society groups said in a joint statement.

Maraga was reportedly arrested on Monday during demonstrations opposing a controversial infrastructure project inside Nairobi National Park.

Maraga was among a group of environmental activists, conservationists and concerned citizens who had gathered outside the park to protest plans that critics say threaten one of Kenya's most important wildlife habitats.

Videos circulating widely on social media appeared to show the former Chief Justice being bundled into a police vehicle alongside other demonstrators.

In their statement, the civil society groups demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all those arrested and urge authorities to respect, protect, and facilitate the right to peaceful assembly as guaranteed under the Constitution of Kenya and international human rights law. 

“We stand in solidarity with citizens defending Nairobi National Park and the right to public participation in decisions that affect our shared environment. We want to categorically state that Nairobi National Park is not for sale. Our public spaces, our environment, and our rights cannot be traded away behind closed doors,” the statement read.

They emphasised that Nairobi National Park is a unique ecological heritage, the world's only national park bordering a capital city, and a critical refuge for wildlife, biodiversity, and future generations.

The groups insisted that any plans that threaten its integrity must be subjected to meaningful public participation, environmental scrutiny, and full transparency.

“Decisions concerning protected public resources cannot be made without the informed consent and involvement of the people of Kenya.”