Former Chief Justice David Kenani Maraga has raised alarm over the sudden and unexplained withdrawal of his official security officers, suggesting the move may be linked to his vocal criticism of the police and his recent participation in a peaceful demonstration marking the anniversary of the June 25, 2024 protests.
In a letter addressed to Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, Maraga termed the recall of his armed guards and police drivers as not only suspicious but also illegal under the Retirement Benefits (Deputy President and Designated State Officers) Act.
“The Retired Chief Justice is entitled to Police security and Police drivers who are to be provided upon request by the retired Chief Justice,” Maraga stated, citing Section 5A of the Act as read with the First Schedule.
“Since my retirement on 12th January 2021, I have had the services of armed guards and Police drivers… which was granted as per the provisions of the Act cited above.”
However, on June 25, 2025 — the same day he joined families of victims of the 2024 protests in a commemorative march through Nairobi CBD — one of his security officers informed him they had been told not to report for duty but instead make a routine monthly return to the police station. Another officer received orders to attend a training scheduled for the same week.
“The following day, on 26th June 2025, I was informed that the rest of the security officers have been asked to report to their stations, without any further information,” Maraga wrote.
The retired CJ expressed suspicion over the timing of the decision, pointing to his recent public condemnation of police leadership and his consistent calls for justice in the controversial death of Albert Ojwang — a detainee who died in police custody.
“It is within public knowledge that I have spoken out, on several occasions, against the manner in which the Police have carried out investigations in the controversial circumstances surrounding the murder of Albert Ojwang,” he said. “I have specifically called for the arrest and prosecution of senior police officers who were responsible for the torture and murder.”
Maraga, who described the officers as having provided “uninterrupted” service to him for over four years, questioned the motive behind their sudden recall, saying: “It is curious that they were suddenly recalled after my public criticism of the police leadership and my participation in the Nairobi CBD March of 25 June 2025.”
In a firm conclusion, he reminded the Ministry of Interior and National Police Service that these protections are not favors but constitutional rights.
“I wish to remind the leadership of the Police and the Ministry… that the security arrangements and other facilitation by the National Police Service are benefits guaranteed under the Constitution and the law,” he said. “It is on this basis that I demand for the immediate restoration of my security.”
Maraga served as Kenya’s Chief Justice from October 2016 to January 2021 and is widely respected for his principled stance on judicial independence, most notably his historic 2017 ruling that nullified a presidential election.
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