NAIROBI, Kenya — A coalition of environmental and human rights organisations has condemned the arrest of former Chief Justice David Maraga and eight other protesters during a demonstration held in defence of Nairobi National Park.
In a joint statement issued on June 8, the organisations accused authorities of violating constitutional freedoms by arresting peaceful demonstrators and dispersing a procession of environmental activists, students, and human rights defenders.
The statement was signed by Friends of Nairobi National Park, Just Act, United Green Movement Party, The Green Belt Movement, Amnesty International Kenya, and Greenpeace Africa.
Groups Demand Immediate Release
The coalition called for the immediate and unconditional release of all those arrested, arguing that the demonstrators were exercising rights protected under the Constitution.
“The use of force against citizens exercising their constitutional rights to peaceful assembly, expression, and public participation is unacceptable,” the statement said.
The organisations described the arrests and reported intimidation of protesters as a threat to civic space and democratic participation.
They urged security agencies to respect and facilitate peaceful assembly in accordance with constitutional and international human rights obligations.
Nairobi National Park at Centre of Dispute
The groups said the protests were aimed at protecting the integrity of Nairobi National Park amid concerns over alleged plans that could affect the protected conservation area.
“Nairobi National Park is not for sale,” the organisations declared.
The coalition argued that any proposals affecting the park must be subjected to meaningful public participation, environmental scrutiny and full transparency before implementation.
“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 statement added.
Calls for Transparency and Accountability
The organisations accused authorities of responding to public concerns with arrests rather than engagement.
“This is about more than land. It is about power, accountability, transparency, and the right of people to be heard,” the statement read.
They warned that shrinking civic space, criminalisation of dissent and the use of force against peaceful protesters undermine the rule of law and erode public confidence in state institutions.
The groups further argued that environmental protection and the protection of constitutional freedoms are closely linked and should be defended simultaneously.
Coalition Lists Key Demands
The organisations outlined several demands, including:
- Immediate release of all persons arrested during the demonstration.
- An end to the use of force, intimidation and arbitrary arrests against peaceful protesters.
- Full respect for freedoms of assembly, expression, association and public participation.
- Transparency regarding any proposals, agreements or plans affecting Nairobi National Park.
- Protection and preservation of the park as a national heritage and public trust resource.
Constitutional Rights in Focus
The dispute highlights growing tensions between environmental activism and state responses to public demonstrations.
Articles 33, 36 and 37 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 guarantee freedoms of expression, association and peaceful assembly. Environmental rights are further protected under Article 42, which guarantees every person the right to a clean and healthy environment.
The coalition said citizens have a legitimate right to participate in decisions affecting public resources and environmental heritage.
“The future of Nairobi National Park belongs to the people of Kenya, and citizens have every right to defend it,” the organisations said.
