Former Chief Justice David Maraga was among nine peaceful protesters arrested and violently dispersed during a procession in Nairobi on Monday.
The arrest drew criticism from various civil society organizations.
Friends of Nairobi National Park, Just Act, United Green Movement Party, The Green Belt Movement, Amnesty International Kenya, and Greenpeace Africa jointly condemned the arrests, labeling them as a concerning attack on civic space and democratic participation.
“The application of force against citizens exercising their constitutional rights to peaceful assembly, expression, and public participation cannot be tolerated,” the organizations stated, demanding the immediate and unconditional release of those detained.
They highlighted that Nairobi National Park, the only national park adjacent to a capital city globally, represents a distinctive ecological legacy that should be safeguarded for future generations.
The declaration emphasized that the park “is not for sale” and cautioned against decisions made “in private” that endanger public areas and environmental integrity.
Demonstrators had assembled to oppose what they characterized as an apparent land appropriation, asserting that development must never compromise rights, heritage, or collective future.
The organizations further called for openness and responsibility in any initiatives affecting the park, urging officials to respect fundamental freedoms and prioritize dialogue over suppression.
“The preservation of our environment and the protection of fundamental freedoms are intertwined. Citizens should never face penalties for defending either,” the declaration concluded.