Ex-Chief Justice Maraga Dares President Ruto Over Police Brutality
Former Chief Justice David Maraga has openly challenged President William Ruto to break his silence on the increasing incidents of police brutality witnessed across the country.
Maraga expressed concern that the president’s continued silence on such matters could seriously threaten the future of democracy in Kenya.
Speaking on Sunday, June 22, during an interdenominational church service held at All Saints Cathedral in memory of those who lost their lives in last year’s clashes, Maraga did not hold back.
He urged President Ruto to rise to the occasion and take full responsibility for protecting the rights and freedoms of all Kenyan citizens, especially in the face of growing unrest.
Maraga made his comments in reference to the recent demonstrations that took place across various parts of the country.
These protests, which were meant to be peaceful, turned violent after suspected hired goons stormed and attacked demonstrators in terrifying scenes that sparked widespread outrage.
The former Chief Justice warned that the ongoing silence by the country’s top leadership is extremely dangerous.
He warned that Kenya risks following the path of Haiti, where violent gangs have taken over large parts of the country, including the capital, Port-au-Prince. “Your Excellency, the ultimate responsibility for the country’s safety and the welfare of its people lies in your hands,” Maraga stated.
“We are appealing to you—don’t let us slide into the same chaos that Haiti is going through. When you allow thugs to attack peaceful demonstrators without consequences, you’re slowly sending us there.”
Maraga went further to insist that President Ruto has the power to stop the ongoing violence and disorder. “You can end this chaos. If you really wanted to, you could stop it today—not tomorrow,” he emphasized.
As Kenyans continue to reel from the violent crackdown on protesters witnessed over the past week, many are keenly waiting for President Ruto’s direct response.
Public pressure has been mounting especially after a shocking incident in which a protester was shot and seriously injured by a police officer—an act that was caught on camera and has since circulated widely.
So far, the president has not offered a direct statement on the protests or the use of excessive force by police. However, during a recent appearance at the Kenya Urban Forum held in Naivasha, President Ruto made remarks that seemed to dismiss his critics.
Without directly addressing the concerns about police brutality, he said, “I cannot be distracted; I am a man on a mission to transform this country. No amount of noise or propaganda will stop me from delivering on this vision.”
Besides Maraga, the opposition has also ramped up its criticism of the Ruto administration. In a strongly worded statement last week, the opposition alliance condemned what it called the “shameless and brutal shooting of unarmed citizens.”
They further accused the National Police Service of deliberately ignoring the Constitution and violating both local and international human rights laws.
Looking ahead, Kenyans are planning to take to the streets once again on June 25 in peaceful demonstrations to mark one year since the nationwide protests against the Finance Bill.
Organizers have called on all citizens to come out and make their voices heard, stressing that the protests will remain non-violent and within the law.
Meanwhile, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has distanced himself from the violent attacks on protesters that happened during the previous demonstrations.
He promised that his administration would do everything possible to ensure that citizens are safe during the upcoming protest. “We are committed to protecting the rights of peaceful demonstrators. What happened last week does not reflect who we are,” Sakaja stated.
With tensions rising and public frustration growing, all eyes are now on President Ruto and how he will respond—not just with words, but with action that demonstrates commitment to justice, rule of law, and democratic values.
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