In a rare and powerful show of solidarity, former Chief Justice David Maraga joined thousands of protesters mainly made up Gen Zs in Nairobi CBD in commemorating 2024 June 25th anti-finance bill victims.
”We want the constitution to be respected. We want human life to have value; that’s why we are joining this procession. I can’t see any violence here these people are peaceful,” stated Maraga.
Maraga had initially demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of IG Douglas Kanja, DCI Mohammed Amin, and DIG Eliud Lagat for what he described as “lying under oath” and alleged involvement in Ojwang’s illegal arrest, torture, and death, giving the government until June 25, 2025, to act, otherwise he pledged to support private prosecutions and join nationwide protests.
His unexpected appearance in the protests drew chants of support from protestors, many of whom hailed him as “mtetezi wa wanyonge” (defender of the oppressed).
He further stunned Kenyans after he was spotted walking calmly among demonstrators while holding a placard reading “Justice for the People.”
Since declaring his presidential ambitions in the upcoming 2027 general elections, Maraga has been a vocal critic of President Ruto’s administration calling it out for extrajudicial killings among many other issues.
The former CJ rebuked the government’s crackdown tactics while leading chants to demand for better governance, justice, and accountability.
“We strongly condemn the use of state violence against grieving families and peaceful protestors.The flagrant violation of the Constitution and human rights must stop,” said Maraga.
In escalation of tensions as police intensified their efforts of cracking down on the protestors, the former Chief Justice was later forced to be whisked to safety after police fired tear gas at protesters along Kimathi Street in Nairobi.
As protests continue to swell nationwide, Maraga’s presence on the front lines has further cemented his image as a principled leader ready to stand with the people, this time not from the bench, but from the street.
Meanwhile, Maraga has termed his presidential campaign as a crusade against corruption, impunity, and ethnic politics vowing to restore constitutional order, strengthen institutions, and prioritize youth leadership.
