Former Chief Justice David Maraga with a group of young Kenyans on June 27, 2025. /DAVID MARAGA/X
Former Chief Justice David Maraga has claimed that his security detail was withdrawn following his participation in the protests held on Wednesday, June 25.
In a letter dated June 27 and addressed to Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, Maraga protested the sudden recall of police officers assigned to him.
He linked the move to his involvement in the protest march commemorating victims of the 2024 anti-finance bill demonstrations.
Maraga questioned the abrupt withdrawal of his security, which he said had been consistently provided since his retirement on January 12, 2021, in line with the Retirement Benefits (Deputy President and Designated State Officers) Act.
He decried the move as suspicious and retaliatory, noting that it was carried out without prior communication or explanation.
“On June 25, the day I joined the youth and families of the victims who died and those who went missing from the events of a year ago, one of the officers attached to me was asked not to report for duty but instead to go and make a routine entry in the firearm register,” Maraga wrote.
He further explained that upon arrival at the station, the officer was informed of a training session scheduled for the same day.
By the following morning, June 26, Maraga said he was notified that the entire security team assigned to him had been recalled to their stations—an action, he said, that occurred without the usual consultation or prior notice.
“It is my understanding and past experience that such action is usually undertaken in consultation, and with prior formal communication to me,” he noted, adding that this had not occurred in the present case.
Maraga, who has been outspoken in his criticism of police conduct, also referenced his recent public condemnation of the controversial death of Albert Ojwang while in police custody.
He recalled having demanded the arrest and prosecution of senior officers implicated in the case.
“It is within public knowledge that I have spoken out... against the manner in which the police have carried out investigations... It is curious that they were suddenly recalled after my public criticism of the police leadership and my participation in the Nairobi CBD march of June 25,” he stated.
He reminded both the Ministry and the National Police Service that such security provisions for retired Chief Justices are protected by law and demanded the immediate restoration of his detail.
“I wish to remind the leadership of the Police and the Ministry of Interior and National Administration that the security arrangements and other facilitation by the National Police Service are benefits guaranteed under the Constitution and the law. It is on this basis that I demand for the immediate restoration of my security,” he concluded.
The development comes just two days after nationwide demonstrations were held to honour victims of the deadly 2024 Gen Z protests.
Maraga, who is best remembered for his historic 2017 Supreme Court ruling that nullified a presidential election, drew widespread public praise for his participation in the Nairobi march, which many viewed as a powerful gesture of solidarity from a senior former state official.
