Petitioners accuse KWS of blocking court-ordered Nairobi National Park inspection

Jukwaa

📻 Breaking It Down

The allegations were made by co-petitioners in a case filed by more than 4,600 Kenyans seeking to stop what they describe as the unlawful destruction of Nairobi National Park.

According to the petitioners, the Environment and Land Court had on July 15 directed the Deputy Registrar to visit the park in the presence of all parties and prepare a report ahead of the hearing scheduled for July 23.

However, the petitioners claimed that when they arrived at the park on Tuesday for the scheduled site visit, they were denied entry and intimidated by masked, armed KWS security personnel.

📌 What You Need to Know

They alleged that the officers attempted to eject them from the KWS headquarters premises despite the inspection being sanctioned by the court.

The group further claimed that although KWS had invited members of the media to cover the exercise, only one of their legal representatives was allowed into the park during the inspection, while the rest of the co-petitioners remained locked out until the exercise had been completed.

“There can only be one conclusion – KWS wanted to control the narrative and ensure the voice of Kenyans was not heard by the courts or the media while on site,” the petitioners said in a statement.

They argued that they were only granted access after court officials, KWS representatives, journalists and their sole legal representative had already concluded the inspection.

The petitioners accused KWS of lacking transparency, disregarding public participation and failing to respect court orders.

“Yesterday’s incident and conduct by KWS is indicative of their continued lack of transparency, contempt for public participation, and a disposition to use force when they don’t get their way,” they said.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya

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