Kenya police fire tear gas, arrest ex-chief justice at national park protest

On Monday, riot police in Kenya's capital dispersed protesters demonstrating against proposed construction within Nairobi National Park. Officers used tear gas and arrested at least nine individuals, including former Chief Justice David Maraga, outside the park's main entrance. Protesters, holding signs with slogans like "Nature is not vacant land," expressed concerns that the development plans, which include a parking area for over 1,000 vehicles, would encroach upon the protected area. The demonstration occurred as a response to these proposed building plans.

Former Kenyan Chief Justice David Maraga was arrested on Monday while protesting near Nairobi National Park. The demonstration, organized by activists, opposed alleged plans to build a car park and a new animal orphanage on protected land within the wildlife sanctuary. The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) is accused of allocating a portion of the park for these developments. The KWS has defended its plans, stating the expanded orphanage will enhance animal welfare and training, occupying a small fraction of the park's total area. Police dispersed the protest, detaining several demonstrators, including Maraga, who was seen being taken away in a lorry.