Maraga arrested over Nairobi National Park protest
Former Chief Justice and presidential aspirant David Maraga was among several people arrested on Monday, June 8, 2026, at the edge of Nairobi National Park during protests against a proposal to excise 76 acres of land from the protected area for the expansion of the Bomas of Kenya project.
The demonstrators had gathered along the park boundary to oppose the planned takeover, arguing that the move would reduce one of Kenya’s key conservation zones and disrupt wildlife movement. They called for the 76 acres to remain fully protected under the current status of the park.
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Police moved in after the group continued with the protest despite orders to disperse, leading to several arrests before order was restored.
Videos shared online show former Chief Justice David Maraga being escorted into a police lorry alongside other protesters after demonstrators blocked part of Lang’ata Road during protests in Nairobi. At the time of his arrest, Maraga was wearing a United Green Movement (UGM) party T-shirt.
Maraga was later released after being taken in by the authorities.
The disputed land is linked to plans to expand the Bomas of Kenya precinct into a larger convention and events complex, part of a wider government infrastructure upgrade.
Environmental groups have raised concerns, saying Nairobi National Park is already under pressure from rapid urban development and surrounding infrastructure projects. They warn that further reduction of the park could harm habitats and set a precedent for continued encroachment into protected land.
Supporters of the project, however, argue that the expansion is necessary to modernise public facilities and strengthen Kenya’s capacity to host large national and international events. They also maintain that environmental safeguards have been considered in the planning process.
Nairobi National Park remains one of the few wildlife parks globally located next to a major capital city, making any land-use decisions around it highly sensitive and closely monitored.
