By GPC Reporter
Former Chief Justice David Maraga has welcomed a court order suspending construction activities within Nairobi National Park for four months.
He described the decision as a victory for constitutionalism, environmental protection and the power of citizens to hold leaders accountable.
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Maraga, who is the United Green Movement co-party leader and its 2027 presidential flag bearer, said the ruling by the Environment and Land Court affirmed the need to protect the Constitution against executive excesses.
“This is a monumental triumph of constitutionalism over executive lawlessness,” he said.
“When leaders treat the Constitution as optional, it is the people who must rise to defend it.”
The court, presided over by Justice Grace Kemei, barred contractors from clearing vegetation, cutting trees, excavating, grading land, erecting fences or constructing roads within the disputed section of the park for four months, pending the hearing and determination of the case.
The interim orders followed a petition filed at the Environment and Land Court by Friends of Nairobi National Park, Just Act Kenya and the Green Belt Movement.
The petition challenges proposed developments within the protected ecosystem, including a car park, access road, pedestrian bridge and the relocation of the Nairobi Animal Orphanage.
The campaign against the developments has attracted public support, with 4,642 Kenyans signing a petition while others have taken part in protests against what they consider encroachment on the iconic wildlife sanctuary.
Maraga said the ruling reinforced the constitutional rights and obligations provided under Articles 42 and 69, which guarantee every Kenyan the right to a clean and healthy environment and require the State to protect natural resources.
“Nairobi National Park is not empty land awaiting a parking lot or a conference hall. It is critical national infrastructure and the ecological lifeline of our capital,” he said.
The former Chief Justice recalled his arrest on June 8, 2026, alongside other Kenyans during peaceful demonstrations against construction activities inside the park.
He commended young Kenyans who faced tear gas and arrests while petitioning the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and participating in tree-planting activities.
Maraga also urged the KWS Board to resist political interference and uphold its constitutional responsibility to safeguard the protected ecosystem.
He accused President William Ruto’s administration of pursuing commercial infrastructure projects within the park while simultaneously presenting Kenya internationally as a leader in climate action.
The court ruling comes amid growing public opposition to the proposed developments, with environmental campaigners insisting that the park’s ecological integrity must be protected.
Maraga said his proposed Green Leap agenda would be anchored on Ukatiba (constitutionalism) and Utu (human dignity).
He pledged to prioritise green job creation, ecosystem restoration, climate-smart agriculture and clean energy if elected president in 2027.
“We have won this battle, but the war to protect our future continues,” Maraga said.
“Today we celebrate; tomorrow, we organise and protect Kenya’s future.”
