By Dawan Africa - Admin
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Kenya, 8 June 2026 - Former Chief Justice David Maraga, who is eyeing for President in the 2027 General Election, was on Monday arrested alongside several activists who were protesting the proposed plan to excise 76 acres from Nairobi National Park to create room for parking lots.
Chief Justice Emeritus was wearing a green T-Shirt bearing colours of his United Green Movement party, the vehicle, he will use to vie for president.
He was holding twigs. In the video doing rounds, he appeared composed, while fellow protesters shouted, unbowed.
"Long live the park," one of the protesters is heard saying as they are bundled in a police lorry.
Maraga has been vocal, joining activists to agitate for real change.
The have mounted demonstrations to object to the proposed removal of land from the national park, arguing that the move could affect the protected conservation area.
The proposed excision of 76 acres has sparked opposition from conservationists and environmental advocates concerned about the future of the park and its wildlife habitat.
On 1 June 2026, he joined protesters in Nairobi’s Central Business District demanding urgent action to address femicide and child killings in Kenya.
The demonstration, led by women’s rights groups and civil society organisations, moved through the capital’s streets with placards, chants and symbolic displays, including a coffin representing victims of gender-based violence.
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Mr Maraga warned that Kenya must strengthen its justice and protection systems to prevent further loss of life.
He said rising violence against women and children reflects systemic failure that requires urgent institutional response.
The Nairobi protest is part of a wider national wave of concern over gender-based violence. Recent tracking by rights organisations shows femicide cases have risen sharply in Kenya in recent years. At least 170 women were killed in 2024, the highest recorded annual toll in recent years. Many incidents involve young women aged between 18 and 35.
Human rights groups say the pattern points to a persistent and escalating crisis, rather than isolated incidents.
Mr Maraga’s participation in protests add national significance due to his former role as head of Kenya’s judiciary.
He has increasingly taken public positions on constitutional rights and governance issues since leaving office. By joining hands with environmentalists and campaigners of a just society that gives women a voice, he is bolstering his chances of taking President William Ruto head on at the ballot.
Presidential aspirant David Maraga and tens of other protesters are currently being held at Lang'ata Police Station.