Chief Justice Emeritus and 2027 presidential hopeful David Maraga has strongly condemned the government following the fatal shooting of Boniface Kariuki and violent attacks on demonstrators across the country.
In a strongly-worded statement released Tuesday evening, Maraga described the day as “another sad day for Kenya,” citing the killing of Kariuki, whom he says was “shot point blank, cold, without a drop of humanity.”
The former CJ accused the current administration of deploying rogue security operatives and sponsoring armed militias to terrorize unarmed civilians.
“State-supported and sponsored militias on motorbikes, some wielding clubs, have been witnessed and recorded attacking civilians in the streets, in coordination with supposed security forces,” said Maraga.
His statement comes in the wake of widespread protests demanding justice for Albert Ojwang, who died under suspicious circumstances in police custody.
The Kenya National Human Rights Commission (KNCHR) has confirmed at least 22 casualties resulting from police shootings and violence during the protests.
Maraga questioned the morality of a government that sends its police to Haiti to fight armed gangs while allegedly unleashing violence on its own citizens.
“To use mercenary tactics against its youth is not only paradoxical, archaic, primitive but also deplorable,” he said.
He went on to commend Kenya’s youth for their bravery, creativity, and relentless push for justice and accountability.
“We stand with you as you push for a new Kenya. Your efforts are not in vain.”
Maraga concluded by declaring the regime has lost legitimacy and affirmed that consultations are underway with progressive Kenyans to chart a new path forward.
“We must reset, rebuild, and restore our beloved country to utu, constitutionalism, and rule of law,” he said.
