Moses Wetang'ula Sneers at Ex-CJ David Maraga For Joining Gen Z in Street Demos: "Diminish Stature"
- National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula faulted retired chief justice David Maraga for taking part in the June 25 protests, explaining why it was a misstep
- In an X post, Wetang’ula named two critical factors that Maraga’s street-level activism risks undermining
- The former CJ was caught up in police tear gas while addressing grieving families in Nairobi, forcing him to take cover in a nearby building
- After the incident, Maraga condemned police brutality and urged Kenyans to vote out the current regime in the 2027 elections
Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has faulted retired chief justice David Maraga for joining the Wednesday, June 25, protests in Nairobi.
Source: Twitter
A former magistrate, the Speaker suggested that the move undermines the dignity of the Judiciary’s top office.
Speaking on Friday, June 27, during the Mama Mboga Empowerment Forum at Lukusi Primary School in Webuye East, Wetang’ula said he was compelled to address what he termed a troubling public display by the former head of the Judiciary.
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Wetang'ula explained that the former CJ's actions downgrade the stature of his former office as the President of the Supreme Court.
"I have respectfully urged Justice Maraga to refrain from engaging in activities that diminish the stature of the prestigious office he once held. His recent involvement in the Gen Z demonstrations in Nairobi was, in my view, unfortunate and unnecessary," Wetang’ula said.
The Speaker acknowledged Maraga as a respected legal mind and a personal friend, but cautioned that his presence in street protests could erode public confidence in the Judiciary.
"As a learned friend whom I greatly respect, I believe Justice Maraga should serve as a role model for our youth that even in the agitation of their rights, the law must be adhered to," he added.
Did police use tear gas on Maraga?
Maraga, who served as Kenya’s 14th Chief Justice and retired in early 2021, was among the high-profile Kenyans who joined the Gen Z-led protests.
On Wednesday, he was caught up in the chaos on Kimathi Street, Nairobi, as police teargassed demonstrators and disrupted a press briefing he was holding with families of young Kenyans killed in previous protests.
Source: Facebook
Maraga was forced to seek cover in a nearby building, later condemning what he described as excessive force against peaceful demonstrators and mourning families.
"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," Maraga told the press shortly after the incident.
The former CJ called out President William Ruto’s administration for escalating police brutality and urged Kenyans to vote the regime out in the 2027 General Election.
Did govt withdraw Maraga's security?
In a related report, Maraga claimed the government had withdrawn his security detail on June 26, a day after he joined Gen Z protests.
Maraga wrote to the Inspector General of Police, noting that one officer was reassigned under the pretext of firearm register duties and the rest recalled for supposed training, with no prior notice.
He argued this action breaches his rights under law, reminding authorities that retired chief justices are legally entitled to protection and police drivers, and demanded immediate reinstatement.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
