Maraga keeps his word to 'walk with Gen Z' as he builds 2027 momentum

Former Chief Justice David Maraga joins protesters along Kenyatta Avenue, Nairobi, on June 25, 2025. [Edward Kiplimo, Standard] Retired Chief Justice David Maraga has lately been engaging Kenyans, sharing his views on critical national issues. And on Wednesday, he joined leaders in the streets supporting the Gen Z anniversary of the June 25, 2024 bloody encounter at Parliament Buildings, Nairobi. From politics to health, social justice, human rights, and anti-corruption, the Maraga, who has declared interest in the 2027 presidential race, has made his voice heard, earning admiration from some Kenyans. Through town hall meetings, public engagements, and growing endorsements, Maraga's momentum is steadily building. "As an older Kenyan, I have served this country and made my contribution to change. Like every parent, I worry about the future for our children, grandchildren, and the legacy we leave behind," he told youth at the Kenya Ideas Festival in April. He emphasised that the older generation must support young people to lead change, not just on the streets and online but in political leadership roles, including county assemblies, Parliament, and public institutions. Maraga has been categorical about the style of politics to adopt, insisting on the need to dismantle barriers that keep youth out of leadership. Among other issues, the former CJ has emphasised the need for fidelity to the Constitution, saying it would help build a just society and accountable leadership. "We set down values of governance, ethics and standards of excellence as our guiding light. However, these values and principles can only be realised when they become true to you and me, when fairness and humility are the first thing we meet at the doors of our offices, when truth and justice are the ink that runs through our pens at work, when human dignity and responsibility are the forces that fuel our work," he said in his 2025 New Year message. In March, Maraga said his support base among the young people was growing but did not declare on whether he would challenge President William Ruto in the next General Election. "That request has been made, I am discussing it with various stakeholders. I will make a final decision and when the time comes we will say whether or not we will run through that," he said. But later, Maraga increasingly became vocal, even engaging young people at his home in Nakuru and town hall meetings, frequently making reference to his track record as the head of the Judiciary "It is because of that confidence that one can make a decision on whether or not they can serve. I have served before in government; I was the head of one arm of government. There is no magic about being the head of another arm of government," he once said. And about a week ago, Maraga was unequivocal, telling NTV that he would go for the top seat. In the build-up to the yesterday's protests, the former CJ has been urging the youth to embrace their civic duty and become active champions of good governance, noting that their voices and choices hold the power to shape the country's future. "I challenge each one of you to be champions of justice and accountability. Stand fearless against a stubborn system that lures young minds into service for political cartels," he said. In April, he said the BBC's "Blood Parliament" documentary on the events of June 25 should prick Kenyans' conscience. He noted that the right to picket, which is constitutional, was violated, adding that the disproportionate use of force against the youth was yet another reminder of the need for the Independent Policing and Oversight Authority and other investigative agencies like Internal Affairs Unit to carry out their mandates expeditiously and independently. "If confirmed, the alleged participation of the Kenya Defence Forces in suppressing civilians would be a grave violation of Article 241(3)(c) of the Constitution, which strictly limits KDF deployment in civilian matters to clear emergencies, with full transparency and accountability to Parliament," he stated. "Those behind this violence, violation of the Constitution and the rule of law are reminded that although the wheels of justice may grind slowly, we will eventually have a leadership that will hold them accountable for their actions. Bravo, brave journalists and young Kenyans who used their phones, their cameras, and their courage to capture the truth second-by-second." According to Maraga, citizen action and bold journalism would ensure the truth was not erased, saying Kenyans deserve a country where fidelity to the Constitution is the order of the day and the rule of law is respected. As June began, Maraga, who has actively been using the social media to share his thoughts and commentaries, called for the need to use the month to chart a path back to the aspirations of the 2010 Constitution. "Today (June 1), we begin a solemn month of reflection in memory of the lives of more than 60 young people killed in June 2024. It is a month to stand in solidarity with those injured and abducted. It is a month to comfort the families of those who lost their loved ones to police brutality," he put up a post on Madaraka Day, condemning the arrest of software developer Rose Njeri. "They instead were killed, abducted and some have disappeared without a trace. Njeri is the latest to be abducted for allegedly innovating an accessible system for citizens to express their views on the Finance Bill, 2025. This completely negates the spirit of Madaraka." He said the young people had nothing to celebrate, citing rising unemployment and the cost of living as the political elite live in opulence. Maraga stated that the government had lost the moral and legitimate basis of governing. "To this end I will walk with the Gen Z during this solemn Gen Z Revolution Month and beyond, in their activities and plans as they seek to reset, restore and rebuild Kenya," he said. His has adopted a characteristic sign off in his statements: "#ThePeopleShall" and "#ResetRebuildRestore". It is notable that Maraga was the only Kenyan allowed in Dar es Salaam for the opposition leader Tundu Lissu's court case while his predecessor Dr Willy Mutunga, senior counsel Martha Karua and others were turned away, some violently. "As a fellow member of Jumuiya, I hold firm in the hope that the legal process ahead will be fair, just, and expeditious-reflecting the highest standards of integrity, independence, and respect for human dignity," he said of the treason charges against the man who hopes to challenge President Samia Suluhu in the October elections. He has stated his willingness to work with other politicians. Last month, Maraga graced the opening of United Green Movement party offices in Kwale.

Maraga keeps his word to 'walk with Gen Z' as he builds 2027 momentum

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