Former Chief Justice David Maraga warned that Kenya faces a return to authoritarian governance after President William Ruto signed eight bills into law on Oct. 15, 2025. Maraga condemned the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Amendment Bill, which allows government agencies to restrict online accounts suspected of spreading misinformation, and described it as an effort to suppress critics. The retired jurist stated the legislation violates constitutional provisions guaranteeing freedom of expression, fair administrative action, and fair trials. He urged citizens to oppose the measures, which were enacted on the day former Prime Minister Raila Odinga died.
Maraga criticized the Privatisation Bill for permitting undisclosed asset sales and warned lawmakers could transfer public entities to themselves or associates without public knowledge. The former chief justice said legal challenges against the legislation are underway, and he supports court intervention. He argued the amendments contradict the 2010 Constitution, and called them a betrayal of democratic principles that Odinga defended throughout his career.
Maraga criticized the Privatisation Bill for permitting undisclosed asset sales and warned lawmakers could transfer public entities to themselves or associates without public knowledge. The former chief justice said legal challenges against the legislation are underway, and he supports court intervention. He argued the amendments contradict the 2010 Constitution, and called them a betrayal of democratic principles that Odinga defended throughout his career.
