Kenya's former top judge has accused the government of removing his police protection as punishment for attending a memorial event. David Maraga lost his security team on June 26 after standing with families of people killed during last year's protests. The retired Chief Justice had received police guards since leaving office in January 2021. Officials took away his protection one day after he joined a peaceful vigil for protest victims. Maraga says the timing proves the government wanted to punish him.
The former judge wrote letters to security officials demanding answers about the sudden change. Kenya's law gives retired chief justices the right to request police protection. Maraga questioned why authorities ended his security after four years of service. He called the timing a suspicious coincidence that happened right after his public appearance. The ex-judge believes officials used security assignments to intimidate him.
Government representatives have not answered Maraga's complaints directly. A spokesman said earlier that authorities will not permit street gatherings that threaten public order. Officials promised to handle any events that undermine state institutions through legal action. Maraga has criticized police investigations into controversial deaths before this incident. The former Chief Justice argues that reassigning officers should not serve as punishment for public figures who speak against government actions.
The former judge wrote letters to security officials demanding answers about the sudden change. Kenya's law gives retired chief justices the right to request police protection. Maraga questioned why authorities ended his security after four years of service. He called the timing a suspicious coincidence that happened right after his public appearance. The ex-judge believes officials used security assignments to intimidate him.
Government representatives have not answered Maraga's complaints directly. A spokesman said earlier that authorities will not permit street gatherings that threaten public order. Officials promised to handle any events that undermine state institutions through legal action. Maraga has criticized police investigations into controversial deaths before this incident. The former Chief Justice argues that reassigning officers should not serve as punishment for public figures who speak against government actions.
