Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

- Former chief justice David Maraga has stated that he is glad he is not an advisor to President William Ruto, citing governance failures in the country.

During a public lecture at Rongo University on Thursday, March 28, Maraga pointed out the bad state of affairs in the country.

When asked what advice he would give Ruto amid growing national discontent, Maraga responded with striking candor.

However, the former Supreme Court president stated that his only counsel to Ruto would be to listen to the citizenry.

"Somebody has asked me what I would advise the president to do in this deteriorating state of affairs. I'm happy I'm not his advisor. But if I were to offer advice, I would ask him to listen to the Kenyans," Maraga stated.

Maraga identified corruption as the biggest problem facing the country, warning that the government is losing critical resources due to the vice and institutional mismanagement.

He particularly decried the culture of impunity, citing rampant disregard for court orders and the rule of law.

His comments appeared to reference recent high-profile cases where government officials have allegedly flouted judicial directives without consequence.

"The main issue is corruption; budgeted corruption and institutional corruption that is not being attended to effectively. As a result, the country is unable to deal with the issues that are there. People are disobeying court orders, some are disregarding the law, and no action is taken against them. Those are the issues that need urgent attention," he observed.

Maraga also criticised the government’s handling of the Social Health Authority (SHA), saying its failure is hurting Kenyans who urgently need healthcare services.

"I mean, the SHA issue is a problem that is facing Kenyans, which was not as serious as it is. Sickness cannot wait. Some of the things that need to be addressed need to be addressed urgently," he added.

Earlier, Maraga dismissed claims that he publicly endorsed Ruto's Kenya Kwanza administration.

Speaking in response to the controversy, Maraga clarified that his remarks were misinterpreted, emphasising that he has always maintained neutrality.

During a public event, Maraga had praised Ruto’s administration for its commitment to judicial independence, a statement that some perceived as political support.

However, he asserted that his comments were not an endorsement but rather an acknowledgment of the government's efforts in upholding the rule of law.

He reiterated that his primary concern has always been the protection of judicial autonomy.

Maraga expressed disappointment over the backlash, stating that his words had been taken out of context.

He urged Kenyans to focus on strengthening institutions rather than politicising every statement.

Source: TUKO.co.ke