In a hard-hitting and impassioned New Year message, Chief Justice (Emeritus) David K. Maraga, EGH, has issued a clarion call to Kenyans, urging them to stand firm in the face of injustice and to recommit to the values enshrined in the Constitution.
Reflecting on a tumultuous year, Maraga condemned the killings, abductions, and torture of young Kenyans, describing these acts as a “serious test” of Kenya’s institutions.
“Our politics must never again be this heartless and uncaring,” he declared, demanding the immediate release of unlawfully detained youth and a renewed commitment to the sanctity of life.
The former Chief Justice pointed to the Constitution as Kenya’s moral compass, emphasizing the transformative vision set out in the 2010 referendum.
He linked the recent “Gen Z” protests to this vision, describing the demonstrations as a reflection of Kenyans’ deep desire to reclaim their dignity, address impunity, and confront economic mismanagement.
Maraga did not mince his words about the challenges Kenya faces. He highlighted the dire state of vital sectors like education and healthcare, calling for urgent reforms to reset the economy, create decent jobs for youth, and overhaul the tax regime to ensure fairness.
“The cries of pain and outrage we saw this year were sparked by the erosion of basic dignity and economic mismanagement,” he said, urging swift action.
Despite the grim realities, Maraga praised the resilience of the Kenyan people, who, in the face of adversity, have held public institutions to account. He criticized the “brute force” used to suppress dissent and placed responsibility for ensuring that instruments of power are not abused squarely on public officeholders.
As Kenyans prepare to usher in 2025, Maraga called for a return to the values of governance, ethics, and excellence. “These values and principles can only be realized when they become true to you and me,” he said, emphasizing the importance of humility, fairness, and justice in all facets of life.
Ending on a hopeful note, Maraga urged Kenyans to make 2025 a year of accountability and renewal, ensuring justice for the wrongs of the past year while safeguarding the nation’s collective destiny.
“Let us always remember our promise to build a just society. This must be the year we stand firmly for constitutionalism, the rule of law, and justice,” he said.
With a wish for a prosperous year ahead, Maraga concluded, “God bless you, and God bless Kenya.”
The message has sparked widespread reactions, with many hailing Maraga’s courage and unwavering commitment to justice, even in retirement.
