The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has dispatched a legal team to Lang’ata Police Station following the arrest of Chief Justice Emeritus David Maraga and several environmental activists during protests against the alleged irregular allocation of land within Nairobi National Park.
In a statement issued on Monday, June 8, LSK President Charles Kanjama strongly condemned the arrests, describing them as an attack on constitutional freedoms and civic space.
"The Law Society of Kenya strongly condemns the shocking arrest of Chief Justice Emeritus David Maraga and environmental activists protesting the irregular allocation of 76 acres of Nairobi National Park," Kanjama stated.
Maraga was apprehended while taking part in demonstrations opposing what activists have described as the irregular allocation and planned development of land within the protected park.
According to Kanjama, the arrest of the former Chief Justice while peacefully participating in the protest raised serious concerns about the protection of constitutional rights and freedoms.
"Bundling a retired head of our Judiciary into a police vehicle for peacefully opposing a Sh42 Billion project, reportedly pushed through without public participation, is a direct assault on the civic space guaranteed under Article 37 of the Constitution," he said.
The LSK President further argued that national heritage sites should not be subjected to opaque decision-making processes.
"National heritage sites are not state property to barter behind closed doors," he added.
The lawyers' body revealed that it had immediately mobilised legal support to secure the release of those arrested during the demonstrations.
"The LSK will not stand by while police force is weaponized against constitutional defenders. We have immediately dispatched an LSK legal team to Lang’ata Police Station to secure the unconditional release of the activists," Kanjama stated.
He also commended Maraga for reportedly refusing to leave police custody unless all activists arrested alongside him were released.
"I commend the CJ Emeritus for refusing to leave custody until all those arrested with him are freed," he said.
The demonstrations were also marred by claims that journalists covering the protests had some of their equipment confiscated. Former BBC journalist Ian Wafula alleged that members of the press encountered difficulties while reporting on the incident.
The protests stem from growing opposition to plans affecting a section of Nairobi National Park, with environmental groups warning that the proposed development could have far-reaching ecological consequences.
According to conservation groups and reports cited by activists, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) is clearing approximately 76 acres of indigenous forest within Nairobi National Park following the issuance of a licence by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA). The licence reportedly approved the conversion of part of a protected low-use zone.
Environmentalists have strongly opposed the move, arguing that it threatens sensitive ecosystems and undermines conservation protections within Kenya's oldest national park.
The controversy has sparked a wider debate over environmental governance, public participation and the management of protected areas, with activists demanding greater transparency in decisions affecting public resources.
Kanjama echoed those concerns, insisting that authorities must subject the project to public scrutiny.
"We demand an immediate end to the harassment of civic actors and a transparent public audit of the Bomas expansion plan," he said.
The statement adds to mounting pressure on government agencies involved in the project as conservationists, lawyers and civil society groups continue to question the legality and environmental implications of the proposed development.
While authorities are yet to issue a detailed response to the latest criticism, opposition to the project appears to be gaining momentum, particularly following the arrest of Maraga, one of the country's most prominent public figures and a former head of the Judiciary.
Kanjama maintained that the Law Society would continue defending constitutional rights, environmental justice and the rule of law.
"The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) remains firmly on the frontlines to protect our laws and our land," he concluded.
