David Maraga Takes President Ruto Head-on Over Karura Forest

Former Chief Justice David Maraga has criticized President William Ruto’s administration over recent changes at the Karura Forest. 

In a statement on Saturday, August 30, Maraga faulted the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) decision to shift entrance fee payments for Karura Forest to the government’s eCitizen platform.

Maraga argued that the recent changes at Karura Forest contravened the constitution as the government did not carry out public participation.

“For 15 years, Karura Forest has been a respite for Nairobians and families as green spaces continue to diminish in the once 'Green City in the Sun.”

“The lack of public participation regarding the change in the management of Karura Forest is a clear violation of Article 10 of the Constitution. The increase in entrance fees and the directive to use the questionable eCitizen, a platform which the Auditor General has raised serious concerns about, puts to question the true intentions of the move by the Kenya Forest Service,” said Maraga.

The former CJ accused President Ruto of disregarding the rule of law, citing contradictions between leading the Katiba Day commemoration and the government’s actions at Karura Forest.

Maraga vowed not to allow what he described as a brazen attempt to destroy the country’s natural resources.

“The continued violation of the Constitution is further confirmation that President Ruto has no regard for the rule of law, despite only 3 days ago purporting to lead in the commemoration of Katiba Day.

“Saying one thing and doing the opposite is duplicitous leadership that has come to characterize the current presidency. It is hurting our people, our resources, and our efforts in nation-building,” Maraga added.

KFS on Thursday announced that all visitor payments for Karura Forest services will be processed through the government's e-Citizen digital platform.

In a statement, the service justified the change as compliance with a government directive mandating that all public services migrate to the centralized e-Citizen platform.

However, the Green Belt Movement protested the decision to change the Karura Forest payment system.

The movement argued that the move violates the July 2011 Karura Forest Management Agreement, a plan developed to safeguard the ecological, cultural, and historical heritage of Karura Forest.

“It is important to remind the public that Karura Forest is a product of blood, sweat, and sacrifice. The late Professor Wangari Maathai and courageous citizens risked their lives to defend Karura when it was threatened with destruction.

“Their determination ensured that Karura remained standing, and today it thrives as a symbol of what is possible when people stand together for the environment,” the movement stated.

On Saturday, KFS Chief Conservator of Forests Alex Lemarkoko said the new payment system will not disrupt the experience of Karura Forest visitors.

Lemarkoko disclosed that all other aspects of forest management will remain the same, including staff, scouts, clerks, cleaners, and contract employees.

“Karura Forest is jointly managed by the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and the community forest association, Friends of Karura Forest (FKF). The only change is the payment platform itself; all other aspects of forest management will remain the same. Mr. Lemarkoko confirmed that all staff, including scouts, clerks, cleaners, and contract employees, will be retained,” he stated.

Further, the KFS Chief Conservator of Forests said visitors with annual passes will continue to use them until expiry.