Former Chief Justice David Maraga has thrown his weight behind the agitation for change being spearheaded by the Gen Zs.
Delivering a motivational speech on governance and sovereignty at the People’s Dialogue Festival at Uhuru Park, Nairobi, Maraga emphasised that Gen Zs need to be supported.
He noted that during last year’s demonstrations, the Gen Zs protested and sent out the message that they are tired of the political bickering, backstabbing and being given promises that are not fulfilled.
“We should heed that and see how we should cooperate and nurture them to come up and take over the leadership of this country,” he urged.
“They showed us that they are fearless and tribe-less.”
Maraga said leaders must speak to the issues so that things do not get out of hand.
The former Chief Justice insisted that Kenya is not a hopeless country, stating that it has one of the most progressive constitutions in the world.
“Our country is not a hopeless nation; we have one of the best constitutions in the world, one which has elaborate provisions for human rights, social rights and one that is the envy or the benchmark of other countries,” he stated.
Maraga added that he would stamp out corruption and ensure the rule of law is obeyed if he were president.
"If I was given the opportunity to govern this country, I would get everyone to obey the law. Everything would fall in place. The problem we have is corruption."
On February 28, Maraga called for justice for young protesters killed during last year’s anti-government demonstrations.
He emphasised that Kenya’s Constitution guarantees the right to life and freedom of expression, and no one should be killed for exercising these rights.
Maraga stressed that any offences during protests should be handled through the legal system, not violent crackdowns, and law enforcement must be held accountable.
He suggested that failure to address these violations would set a dangerous precedent, undermining Kenya’s commitment to human rights and justice.
Speaking during the launch of a Kituo Cha Sheria Report, Maraga insisted that authorities must uphold the rule of law and ensure that those responsible for the deaths are held accountable.
