Former Chief Justice David Maraga has delivered a scathing critique of the Kenyan government, declaring that Madaraka Day 2025 holds nothing worth celebrating for the country’s youth — instead calling it a moment of mourning, reflection, and revolution.
In a bold statement released on Sunday, Maraga, who has declared his intention to vie for the presidency in 2027, said the spirit of Madaraka has been betrayed, especially for the younger generation that faces joblessness, brutality, and marginalization.
“We begin a solemn month of reflection in memory of more than 60 young lives lost in June 2024, victims of a state crackdown,” Maraga said, referring to last year’s violent suppression of youth-led protests.
He added that Madaraka was meant to be about freedom, yet today’s youth are being “killed, abducted, and silenced” for demanding accountability.
Maraga cited the case of Rose Njeri, a young innovator allegedly abducted for creating a civic engagement platform around the controversial Finance Bill 2025, as proof that the state is attacking creativity instead of embracing it.
“This completely negates the spirit of Madaraka,” he said.
The former CJ didn’t hold back on the economic front either. He painted a stark picture of a Kenya ruled by an elite few, while the majority remain locked in poverty and hopelessness.
“There is nothing for the youth to celebrate. This government has lost the moral legitimacy to govern.”
In a powerful declaration, Maraga announced his support for the Gen Z-led “Revolution Month”, pledging to stand with the youth in resetting, restoring, and rebuilding Kenya.
“Let’s return to the dreams of our 2010 Constitution,” he said.
This year’s Madaraka Day, instead of national pride, echoes with a call for national soul-searching.
