Riot police fired tear gas to disperse scores of protesters rallying on Monday against plans to build on part of a national park in Kenya’s capital.
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.
Protesters – who waved placards marked with “Nature is not vacant land” and other slogans – say the plans, including a parking area for more than 1,000 vehicles, will encroach on one of Kenya’s most famous protected areas.
Maraga was detained and later released while staging a sit-in on a major road outside the national park’s main gate. He was wearing a green T-shirt similar to those worn by other activists.
The police have yet to comment on the reason for his arrest.
Maraga wrote on social media that he was arrested while heading to present a petition to the Kenya Wildlife Service.
“Our national heritage and environment must be safeguarded from greed and unnecessary destruction without public participation,” he said.
