Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has strongly condemned the arrest and detention of Chief Justice Emeritus David Maraga and several activists during a protest at Nairobi National Park, describing the incident as a serious violation of constitutional rights and an assault on Kenya’s democratic principles.
In a detailed statement issued on Monday, Kalonzo, who also serves as a co-principal in the Azimio La Umoja coalition, criticized the use of force against demonstrators who were protesting alleged plans to excise parts of the protected park for a major infrastructure project.
He termed the arrest of Maraga and nine other individuals as “brutal and unconstitutional,” insisting that the actions of the security agencies went beyond maintaining public order and instead undermined core freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution.
“What happened this morning at Lang’ata Road 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 former Vice President cited several constitutional provisions, including Article 37 on the right to peaceful assembly, Article 33 on freedom of expression, Article 35 on access to information, and Article 69 on environmental protection, arguing that all were violated during the incident.
He further accused the State of disregarding Article 10 on public participation, claiming that any attempt to alter the boundaries of Nairobi National Park without meaningful consultation would amount to a breach of constitutional governance principles.
According to Kalonzo, the dispute over the proposed Sh41.9 billion development project has raised concerns over transparency and accountability in the management of public land.
He warned that the alleged excision of 76 acres of the park would amount to irreversible environmental damage.
“The Nairobi National Park is not just land. It is the only national park in the world located within a capital city, an irreplaceable ecological and heritage treasure,” he stated. “Wildlife corridors, once severed, do not heal.”
The Wiper leader called for the immediate suspension of any plans affecting the park’s integrity and urged authorities to halt what he termed “national vandalism” until full legal and public processes are observed.
Kalonzo also highlighted the conduct of Chief Justice Emeritus David Maraga during his detention, praising his decision to remain at Lang’ata Police Station in solidarity with other detainees until their release.
“Here is a man who could have walked away had he been released. But he chose to stay put, because he understands that freedom that abandons others is not freedom at all,” Kalonzo said.
He demanded the unconditional release of all those still in custody and called on the Inspector General of Police to account for the use of force against peaceful demonstrators.
He also urged the Cabinet Secretary responsible for the environment to appear before Parliament to clarify the legal basis for the project.
Kalonzo further pressed the Head of State to address the nation urgently, warning that continued silence could deepen public mistrust.
“To every Kenyan who continues to stand at these gates this evening… you are defending Kenya’s heritage,” he said. “Together we will Komboa Kenya and we will do it by honouring the Constitution.”