Former Chief Justice David Maraga has issued a powerful message of reflection and solidarity as Kenya marks its 62nd Madaraka Day, calling attention to police brutality, youth oppression, and what he described as the country’s democratic backslide.
In a statement posted to his official X account on Sunday, Maraga urged Kenyans to use the month of June as a time for introspection on the state of internal self-governance—one of the founding ideals of Madaraka Day—and to remember the victims of last year’s nationwide protests.
“Today, we begin a solemn month of reflection in memory of the lives of more than 60 young people killed in June 2024,” Maraga wrote.
“It is a month to stand in solidarity with those injured and abducted. It is a month to comfort the families of those who lost their loved ones to police brutality.”
Maraga criticized the government’s response to peaceful protests and warned that the ideals of self-rule, for which Madaraka Day stands, are being betrayed.
“These are the freedoms that the young people were seeking. They instead were killed, abducted, and some have disappeared without a trace,” he said.
He specifically mentioned the recent case of Ms. Rose Njeri, who was allegedly abducted for developing an accessible digital platform allowing citizens to voice their views on the controversial Finance Bill 2025.
“This completely negates the spirit of Madaraka,” he stated.
Maraga lamented that many young Kenyans have little to celebrate, citing soaring youth unemployment, shrinking economic opportunities, and what he described as the ruling elite’s lavish lifestyle.
“This government has indeed lost the moral and legitimate basis of governing,” he declared.
Support for Gen Z
Calling for a return to the principles of the 2010 Constitution, Maraga pledged his support for what he termed the “GenZ Revolution Month.”
He vowed to stand alongside the youth in their efforts to “reset, restore, and rebuild Kenya.”
“Madaraka Day is about internal self-governance and the freedom to run our country,” he emphasised.
“Let us use this month to chart a path back to the aspirations of our 2010 Constitution.”
The statement comes amid growing youth-led civic movements and widespread discontent with the government’s economic and governance record.
