
President William Ruto has rebuked former Chief Justice David Maraga for warning that Kenya is on the verge of becoming a failed state.
Speaking at the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), Ruto dismissed Maraga’s comments, insisting that Kenya remains a great nation, one that has made remarkable strides despite facing various challenges.
Ruto’s remarks come in response to a controversial statement made by Maraga during a K24 interview on July 21, 2025, where the former Chief Justice expressed deep concern over Kenya’s political and economic future.
Maraga had warned that the country’s worsening crisis, marked by political instability and economic decline, could push Kenya toward becoming a failed state unless urgent action was taken.
“I listened to one gentleman who retired the other day after working for 40-50 years, and wants to be president. And I listened to him say that Kenya is a failed state,” Ruto said, referencing Maraga without naming him directly.
“So for 40 years, you have been working in a failed state, and now you want to be president of a failed state?”
The President went on to question why someone who seemingly has lost faith in Kenya would seek to lead the nation.
"Why would you want to be entrusted with the leadership of a country you don’t believe in?" Ruto asked.
Ruto was quick to highlight that, despite the challenges facing Kenya, the nation remains a beacon of success in various sectors.
He pointed to the achievements of institutions like Liaison Group, Linzi FinCo, and the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), which was recently named the best in Africa.
According to Ruto, these institutions are proof that Kenya is far from being a failed state.
“For the record, entities like Liaison Group, Linzi FinCo, and the Nairobi Securities Exchange, which was named the best in Africa last year, do not exist in failed states,” Ruto stated.
Ruto emphasised that it is the responsibility of all leaders and citizens to work together to make Kenya greater, despite its challenges.
"Kenya is a great nation, and we all have a duty and responsibility to make it even greater," he declared.
In the July 21 interview, Maraga had painted a grim picture of Kenya’s future, citing a political and economic crisis that he claimed could push the country into the ranks of failed states.
He accused the government of undermining democratic values, particularly criticising the handling of recent anti-government protests.