Former Chief Justice David Maraga has launched a scathing attack on President William Ruto, accusing him of trampling on Kenya’s Constitution by hastily signing into law eight controversial bills. Speaking in Nairobi on October 21, 2025, Maraga questioned the President’s decision to enact the legislation just hours after the passing of the late Raila Odinga, describing the move as “a mockery of the ideals and democratic values that Odinga championed.”

Maraga, who has signaled interest in contesting the presidency, condemned what he called the “systematic erosion of public participation” in Kenya’s lawmaking process. The former CJ listed the contentious laws as the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, Privatisation Act, Land (Amendment) Act, National Land Commission (Amendment) Act, Wildlife Conservation and Management (Amendment) Act, National Police Service Commission (Amendment) Act, Air Passenger Service Charge (Amendment) Act, and the Virtual Asset Service Providers Act.

He announced his intention to challenge the constitutionality of these laws in the courts, arguing that they were enacted in bad faith and represent “an egregious grab of public resources.” According to Maraga, the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act now grants sweeping powers to a state committee to block websites and online platforms accused of promoting “illegal activities” without the requirement of judicial oversight. He warned that this effectively allows the committee to “act as investigator, prosecutor, and judge,” undermining Articles 33 and 34 of the Constitution, which protect free speech and media freedom.

Maraga’s criticism also targeted the Privatisation Act, which he said enables a “massive sell-off of public assets” under the guise of efficiency. He noted that the law gives the Treasury Cabinet Secretary unchecked power to privatize state entities without adequate parliamentary review or public disclosure. The former CJ warned that such provisions could allow public assets to be sold to political cronies, private allies, or even foreign investors with no transparency or accountability to the Kenyan people.

The former Chief Justice further accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of “bottomless greed,” alleging that the government is borrowing over Sh5 billion weekly while simultaneously plotting to auction public property. He described this dual approach as a betrayal of national sovereignty and economic prudence. “Sovereignty belongs to the people of Kenya, not Parliament, not the Executive, and certainly not foreign investors,” Maraga declared.

Concluding his remarks, Maraga urged citizens to resist policies that compromise Kenya’s independence and democratic ideals. He insisted that genuine prosperity can only arise from empowering citizens, not selling off national assets and reaffirmed his readiness to challenge the new laws in the High Court of Kenya.