By Ongaga Ongaga
Nine peaceful protesters, including former Chief Justice David Maraga, were arrested and violently dispersed during a procession in Nairobi on Monday.
The arrest sparked condemnation from civil society groups.
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Friends of Nairobi National Park, Just Act, United Green Movement Party, The Green Belt Movement, Amnesty International Kenya, and Greenpeace Africa jointly denounced the arrests, describing them as a dangerous assault on civic space and democratic participation.
“The use of force against citizens exercising their constitutional rights to peaceful assembly, expression, and public participation is unacceptable,” the organizations said, calling for the immediate and unconditional release of those detained.
They emphasized that Nairobi National Park, the world’s only national park bordering a capital city, is a unique ecological heritage that must be protected for future generations.
The statement stressed that the park “is not for sale” and warned against decisions made “behind closed doors” that threaten public spaces and environmental integrity.
Protesters had gathered to resist what they described as an apparent land grab, insisting that development must never come at the expense of rights, heritage, or collective future.
The groups further demanded transparency and accountability in any plans affecting the park, urging authorities to respect fundamental freedoms and choose dialogue over repression.
“The protection of our environment and the protection of fundamental freedoms are inseparable. Citizens must never be punished for defending either,” the statement read.
