Kenya police arrest ex-chief justice at park protest
· Michael West
Riot police have fired tear gas to disperse scores of protesters rallying against plans to build on part of a national park in Kenya’s capital.
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Officers moved in and arrested at least nine people, including former chief justice David Maraga, outside the main entrance of Nairobi National Park, Reuters reporters said.
He was later released.
“Our national heritage and environment must be safeguarded from greed and unnecessary destruction without public participation,” Maraga said on X.
The Kenya Wildlife Service has defended the project, saying it will expand an animal orphanage on the site – Africa’s only wildlife reserve within a capital city.
Protesters – who waved placards marked with “Nature is not vacant land” and other slogans – say the plans, including a parking area for more than 1000 vehicles, will encroach on one of Kenya’s most famous protected areas.
Demonstrators say construction work will affect wildlife in Nairobi National Park. (AP PHOTO)The park lies just 10km from Nairobi’s central business district.
Rhinos, lions, buffalo and leopards can be seen against the backdrop of the city’s skyline.
“We are gathered here because Nairobi National Park is once again under threat,” activist Nyaguthii Chege told reporters at the scene.
with AP