Former Chief Justice David Maraga has voiced strong support for Generation Z’s push for change in Kenya, urging the nation to back their movement. Speaking at the People’s Dialogue Festival at Uhuru Park, Nairobi, Maraga acknowledged Gen Z’s fearless approach to activism and their commitment to a future free from political manipulation and broken promises.
Maraga praised the young generation for their unity beyond tribal lines, highlighting their determination to challenge the status quo. Reflecting on last year’s demonstrations, he emphasized that the Gen Z movement has demonstrated a clear rejection of political bickering and unfulfilled pledges. “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.
The former Chief Justice stressed that leaders must address pressing issues rather than allowing them to escalate. He dismissed the notion that Kenya is a lost cause, emphasizing that the country boasts one of the most progressive constitutions globally. “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 also touched on governance, declaring that if he were president, his priority would be enforcing the rule of law and stamping out corruption. “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 who lost their lives during last year’s anti-government demonstrations. He reiterated that Kenya’s Constitution guarantees the right to life and freedom of expression, condemning the unlawful killings of demonstrators. He stressed that any offences committed during protests should be handled through legal mechanisms rather than violent crackdowns.
Speaking at the launch of a Kituo Cha Sheria Report, Maraga insisted that authorities must uphold the rule of law and hold those responsible for protest-related deaths accountable. He warned that failure to address these violations would set a dangerous precedent, undermining Kenya’s commitment to justice and human rights.
