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

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has faulted retired chief justice David Maraga for joining the June 25 protests in Nairobi.

A former magistrate, the Speaker suggested that the move undermines the dignity of the Judiciary’s top office.

Speaking on Friday, June 27, during the Mama Mboga Empowerment Forum at Lukusi Primary School in Webuye East, Wetang’ula said he was compelled to address what he termed a troubling public display by the former head of the Judiciary.

Wetang'ula explained that the former CJ's actions downgrade the stature of his former office as the President of the Supreme Court.

"I have respectfully urged Justice Maraga to refrain from engaging in activities that diminish the stature of the prestigious office he once held. His recent involvement in the Gen Z demonstrations in Nairobi was, in my view, unfortunate and unnecessary," Wetang’ula said.

The Speaker acknowledged Maraga as a respected legal mind and a personal friend, but cautioned that his presence in street protests could erode public confidence in the Judiciary.

"As a learned friend whom I greatly respect, I believe Justice Maraga should serve as a role model for our youth that even in the agitation of their rights, the law must be adhered to," he added.

Maraga, who served as Kenya’s 14th Chief Justice and retired in early 2021, was among the high-profile Kenyans who joined the Gen Z-led protests.

On Wednesday, June 25, he was caught up in the chaos on Kimathi Street, Nairobi, as police teargassed demonstrators and disrupted a press briefing he was holding with families of young Kenyans killed in previous protests.

Maraga was forced to seek cover in a nearby building, later condemning what he described as excessive force against peaceful demonstrators and mourning families.

"We want the constitution to be respected. We want human life to have value; that’s why we are joining this procession. I can't see any violence here; these people are peaceful," Maraga told the press shortly after the incident.

The former CJ called out President William Ruto’s administration for escalating police brutality and urged Kenyans to vote the regime out in the 2027 General Election.

Source: TUKO.co.ke