Kenya's former chief justice, David Maraga, was arrested on Tuesday during a protest against the government's plan to construct a road through the Nairobi National Park. The demonstration, organised by environmental groups and opposition figures, drew hundreds of participants. Maraga, who served as chief justice from 2016 to 2021, was held for several hours before being released without charge.
The protest targeted the proposed 8.3-kilometre highway, which would cut through one of Africa's most iconic wildlife reserves. Conservationists argue the road would disrupt elephant migration routes, increase poaching risks, and fragment the park's ecosystem. The government defends the project as necessary for easing traffic congestion in Nairobi, one of Africa’s fastest-growing cities.
The United Kingdom expressed concern over Maraga's arrest. A Foreign Office spokesperson said: “We are alarmed by the detention of a former chief justice exercising his right to peaceful protest. We urge Kenyan authorities to uphold the rule of law and respect fundamental freedoms.” The statement aligns with broader international unease about Kenya's democratic trajectory under President William Ruto. Since taking office in 2022, Ruto has faced criticism over police brutality, media restrictions, and judicial interference.
Maraga, a respected figure known for his integrity, has been a vocal critic of the current administration. His arrest marks an escalation in tensions between the government and civil society. The Law Society of Kenya condemned the action, calling it “an assault on judicial independence.” Amnesty International’s Kenya chapter described it as “a dangerous precedent for dissent."
Environmental groups have vowed to continue protests. The Kenya Wildlife Service, which manages the park, has not publicly commented. The government maintains that the road will include eco-viaducts to allow animal passage, but experts question their efficacy. Nairobi National Park, established in 1946, is one of the world’s few national parks within a capital city. It hosts lions, cheetahs, giraffes, and rhinos, and generates significant tourism revenue.
The incident underscores the growing conflict between development and conservation in Kenya, a country reliant on both infrastructure expansion and wildlife tourism. The UK’s intervention adds diplomatic pressure on Ruto, who seeks closer ties with the West while balancing domestic political demands. The situation remains fluid, with further protests expected ahead of the project’s planned ground-breaking next month.
