By James Murimi - Reporter
Kenya, June 08, 2026 - Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has sharply escalated the political storm surrounding the proposed excision of land from Nairobi National Park, condemning the arrest of former Chief Justice David Maraga and nine other activists as an attack on the Constitution and democratic freedoms.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Monday evening, Kalonzo accused President William Ruto's administration of violating constitutional rights by arresting citizens who had gathered to oppose plans linked to the controversial Sh41.9 billion development project touching on protected parkland.
The former Vice President described the detention of Maraga — now leader of the United Green Movement (UGM) and a declared presidential candidate for the 2027 General Election — as unlawful and unconstitutional.
“What happened today is not a matter of public order. It is a matter of the soul of our democracy and a direct assault on our Constitution,” Kalonzo said.
The opposition leader argued that the arrests violated constitutional provisions guaranteeing freedom of assembly, expression and access to information, as well as the State’s obligation to protect the environment.
According to Kalonzo, Kenyans protesting at the park were exercising rights protected under Articles 33, 35, 37 and 69 of the Constitution.
He further accused the government of attempting to hand over public land to private interests without adequate public participation.
“The sovereign power of Kenya belongs to the people and not to a construction contract or a parking lot,” he said.
Kalonzo also intensified opposition to any plan that would alter the boundaries of Nairobi National Park, describing the protected ecosystem as a national heritage that belongs to present and future generations.
“Nairobi National Park is the only national park in the world located within a capital city. To excise even a single acre for a parking facility is an act of national vandalism,” he said.
More from Kenya
The opposition leader demanded the immediate release of all those arrested during the demonstrations and called on the Inspector General of Police and the Environment Ministry to explain the legal basis for the planned project.
He also challenged President Ruto to personally address the controversy.
“I demand that the President of this Republic speak to Kenyans today, not tomorrow. Silence is complicity,” Kalonzo said.
The Wiper leader reserved special praise for Maraga, saying the former Chief Justice had demonstrated exceptional leadership after reportedly refusing to leave Lang’ata Police Station until other detainees had been released.
Kalonzo said Maraga’s actions reflected commitment to justice and solidarity with fellow protesters.
The latest confrontation adds a powerful political dimension to the growing dispute over the future of Nairobi National Park, with opposition leaders, conservationists and civil society groups increasingly mobilising against any attempt to alter the park’s boundaries.
The row is now shaping up as a major test of the government’s environmental credentials and its handling of public dissent ahead of the 2027 General Election.