By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Kenya’s former Chief Justice David Maraga said he was on Monday arrested and released after a brief detention, along with other activists while staging a protest against planned construction inside Nairobi National Park.
Like Nigeria and other African countries, Kenya has a long history of land grabbing by politically exposed individuals and environmentalists have often spoken out when parks and other green spaces are encroached upon.
Back in Nigeria, activists have protested plan by the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike to forcefully takeover the popular Jabi Lake, a green area where residents carry our recreational activities. He has vowed to continue with a plan to take over the property despite stiff protest.
The Kenya’s former Chief Judge was arrested while staging a sit-in on a major road outside the national park’s main gate. He was wearing a green T-shirt similar to those worn by other activists.
Maraga wrote on X that he was arrested while heading to present a petition to the Kenya Wildlife Service.
“Our national heritage and environment must be safeguarded from greed and unnecessary destruction without public participation,” he said.
Hundreds of activists joined a protest against the planned construction inside the park and the relocation of an orphanage, calling it an attempt to grab public land.
Amnesty International in Kenya expressed solidarity with the protesters and called for members of the public to be included in decisions affecting the country’s environmental heritage.
“We want to categorically state that Nairobi National Park is not for sale; our public spaces, our environment, and our rights cannot be traded away behind closed doors,” the rights group said.
The Kenya Wildlife Service on Sunday defended the construction as part of a plan to expand the orphanage and improve the visitor experience, dismissing claims of land grabbing.
