Former Chief Justice David Maraga says police removed his security team after he joined protests. He sent a letter to Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Police Inspector General Douglas Kanja on June 27. Maraga complained about the sudden recall of officers assigned to protect him. He connected the action to his participation in demonstrations honoring victims of last year's anti-finance bill protests. The march took place on June 25 to remember people who died during the 2024 demonstrations.
Maraga received consistent security protection since retiring from office on January 12, 2021. The Retirement Benefits Act guarantees this protection for former chief justices. One officer assigned to him was told not to report for duty on June 25. The officer was instead directed to make entries at the firearm register. Officials told the officer about a training session scheduled that same day.
Maraga learned on June 26 that his entire security team had been recalled to their stations. He said this happened without the usual consultation or advance notice. The former chief justice has criticized police conduct recently. He spoke out against the controversial death of Albert Ojwang during police custody. Maraga demanded the arrest and prosecution of senior officers involved in that case.
The security withdrawal came after nationwide demonstrations to honor victims of the 2024 protests. Maraga participated in the Nairobi march and received public praise for joining the demonstration. He demanded immediate restoration of his security detail. The former chief justice reminded officials that such protection is guaranteed under constitutional law. Maraga gained fame for his 2017 Supreme Court ruling that nullified a presidential election.
Maraga received consistent security protection since retiring from office on January 12, 2021. The Retirement Benefits Act guarantees this protection for former chief justices. One officer assigned to him was told not to report for duty on June 25. The officer was instead directed to make entries at the firearm register. Officials told the officer about a training session scheduled that same day.
Maraga learned on June 26 that his entire security team had been recalled to their stations. He said this happened without the usual consultation or advance notice. The former chief justice has criticized police conduct recently. He spoke out against the controversial death of Albert Ojwang during police custody. Maraga demanded the arrest and prosecution of senior officers involved in that case.
The security withdrawal came after nationwide demonstrations to honor victims of the 2024 protests. Maraga participated in the Nairobi march and received public praise for joining the demonstration. He demanded immediate restoration of his security detail. The former chief justice reminded officials that such protection is guaranteed under constitutional law. Maraga gained fame for his 2017 Supreme Court ruling that nullified a presidential election.
