NAIROBI — Kenyan police fired tear gas and detained several protesters, including former Chief Justice David Maraga, during a demonstration against a controversial development project inside Nairobi National Park on Monday.
Witnesses said riot police moved in shortly after dozens of environmental activists, conservationists, and civil society members gathered near the main gate of the park to oppose plans by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to expand an animal orphanage facility within the protected area.
At least nine people were arrested during the protest, according to journalists at the scene. Among those detained was David Maraga, Kenya’s former chief justice and a prominent advocate for constitutional rights and environmental protection.
Demonstrators carried placards bearing messages such as “Nature Is Not Vacant Land,” “Save Nairobi National Park,” and “Protect Our Wildlife Heritage.” Protesters argued that the proposed development, which reportedly includes a large parking area capable of accommodating more than 1,000 vehicles, would reduce protected habitat and increase pressure on the park’s fragile ecosystem.
“We are gathered here because Nairobi National Park is once again under threat,” environmental activist Nyaguthii Chege told reporters. “This park belongs to all Kenyans and future generations. Development should not come at the expense of conservation.”
The Kenya Wildlife Service defended the project, insisting that the expansion is necessary to improve facilities for rescued and orphaned wildlife. Officials maintain that the development will be carried out responsibly and will not significantly affect the park’s ecological integrity.
Nairobi National Park, established in 1946, is one of Kenya’s most iconic conservation areas and the only national park located within the boundaries of a capital city. Situated approximately 10 kilometers south of Nairobi’s central business district, it is home to a wide range of wildlife, including rhinos, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, cheetahs, and leopards.
The park has increasingly become the focus of disputes between conservationists and government agencies over infrastructure and urban expansion projects. Environmental groups argue that continued encroachment threatens wildlife migration corridors and undermines decades of conservation efforts.
The arrests are likely to intensify public debate over balancing development needs with environmental protection in one of Africa’s fastest-growing cities. Human rights organizations have also raised concerns over the use of force against peaceful demonstrators exercising their constitutional right to protest.
As of Monday evening, authorities had not announced whether formal charges would be brought against those detained. Environmental groups vowed to continue their campaign to halt the project and preserve Nairobi National Park from further encroachment.
