Ex-CJ Maraga accuses Ruto government of weaponising anti-terror laws to silence dissent
Speaking after a court session, Maraga stressed that terrorism is a grave offence that should not be exploited as a tool of intimidation, particularly when the charges cannot be substantiated.
Former Chief Justice David Maraga has joined the chorus of voices condemning the misuse of anti-terrorism laws to suppress dissent, accusing President William Ruto’s administration of weaponising the Criminal Justice System to intimidate arrested youth and their families.
Speaking after a court session, Maraga stressed that terrorism is a grave offence that should not be exploited as a tool of intimidation, particularly when the charges cannot be substantiated.
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"A terrorist offence is a serious offence, charging someone with terrorism just to deny them bond, traumatise them and keep them in custody; we are not going to allow this to continue. They cannot prove these charges, that much I can tell you," he said.
Former Chief Justice David Maraga and his team of lawyers appeared at the Kahawa Law Courts to show solidarity with youth arrested in Gilgil town and other areas during the June 25 protests. The court was set to rule on whether the youth would be granted bail or bond.
"Ruto's government is clearly weaponising the criminal justice system to terrorise the arrested youth and their families. The reckless use of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA), and the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU) is a violation of or a significant threat to Kenyans' freedom of assembly and expression; the right not to be arbitrarily detained or denied bail; freedom and security of the person," he said.
He led the team of advocates in pleading with the court to grant reasonable bail terms, given that most of the young people have irregular incomes.
They were released on varying bail ranging from a Sh200,000 bond or cash bail of Sh50,000.
"We stand firm in solidarity with Kenyans who stand up against the excesses of a regime that has lost legitimacy. We shall not relent in protecting the right to peaceful assembly as guaranteed by the Constitution," he vowed.
His sentiments were echoed by former presidential candidate Reuben Kigame, who also appeared in court in solidarity with the victims.
"I have never seen a government so paranoid as to imagine that picketing equals terrorism," he said.
Meanwhile, eight men who torched the Mawego Police Station in Homabay on July 3 have been charged with terrorism at the Kahawa law courts.
The court heard that they unlawfully raided and torched the station and its quarters, among other government properties.
A ruling on whether they will be granted bail or bond will be made on Tuesday, July 22, 2025.
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