Maraga accuses Ruto of betraying Constitution in Karura Forest management row
Former Chief Justice David Maraga has strongly condemned the government’s recent move to alter the management of Karura Forest, terming it a blatant violation of the Constitution and an attack on public resources.
In a hard-hitting statement issued on Saturday, August 30, 2025, via his official X account through his presidential campaign secretariat, Maraga accused President William Ruto’s administration of disregarding Article 10 of the Constitution by failing to involve the public in the decision-making process.
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“Yesterday’s developments at Karura Forest are a cause of great concern. For 15 years, Karura Forest has been a respite for Nairobians and families as green spaces continue to diminish in the once ‘Green City in the Sun’,” the statement read in part.
Karura Forest entry fees
Maraga criticised the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) for increasing entry fees to the forest and directing payments through the government’s eCitizen platform, which the Auditor General has previously flagged for accountability concerns.
“The lack of public participation regarding the change in the management of Karura Forest is a clear violation of Article 10 of the Constitution. The increase in entrance fees and the directive to use the questionable E-Citizen – a platform which the Auditor General has raised serious concerns about – puts to question the true intentions of the move by the Kenya Forest Service,” he added.
Maraga on Ruto’s leadership
The former CJ accused President Ruto of “duplicitous leadership”, pointing out the irony of commemorating Katiba Day—celebrating Kenya’s Constitution—just days before undermining its principles.
“The continued violation of the Constitution is further confirmation that President Ruto has no regard for the rule of law, despite only 3 days ago purporting to lead in the commemoration of Katiba Day. Saying one thing and doing the opposite is duplicitous leadership that has come to characterize the current presidency. It is hurting our people, our resources, and our efforts in nation-building,” Maraga charged.
He vowed that his campaign and like-minded Kenyans would resist what he described as an attempt to destroy one of the country’s most treasured green spaces.
“We, the custodians of the Constitution and our environment, will not stand by and watch this brazen attempt at the destruction of our natural resources,” he stated.
