Former Chief Justice David Maraga has revealed the intense personal fear and public abuse he and his family endured after he led the Supreme Court in nullifying President Uhuru Kenyatta’s 2017 election victory.
Speaking in an interview, Maraga recounted that the situation became “heavy” after President Kenyatta stated he would “revisit” the ruling. “My family were scared when I got threats of plans to attack me,” Maraga stated. “I was abused left, right and centre.”
Despite the backlash, Maraga maintained that the landmark decision—the first of its kind in Africa—was based purely on evidence and constitutional requirements. He explained that a majority of four judges “were not satisfied that the presidential elections met the threshold” due to irregularities by the electoral commission.
While he and his family received no physical assault, the period was marked by terrifying threats. The revelations come as Maraga, who stood by his ruling as a necessary constitutional duty, is now eyeing the presidency in the 2027 general elections.
By James Kisoo
