Kenya Wildlife Service officers prevented petitioners from joining a court-ordered site visit at Nairobi National Park on July 21. The visit formed part of a case filed by 4,642 Kenyans challenging developments inside the park.
The Environment and Land Court in Milimani had directed Deputy Registrar Vincent Kiplagat to lead the inspection with all parties present. Friends of Nairobi National Park said KWS personnel, some masked and armed, questioned petitioners and later allowed access only after officials, media and one lawyer had finished.
The inspection covered the existing Nairobi Animal Orphanage and the proposed 89-hectare relocation site opposite Bomas of Kenya. Petitioners claim the project has taken 76 acres of park land for the Bomas International Conference Complex without proper public participation or environmental assessment, endangering black rhino habitat.
KWS stated the new site will provide better facilities, a wildlife hospital and jobs, while the old location will be restored. The court is scheduled to continue hearing the petition on July 23.
