Former CJ David Maraga says security withdrawn over 'June 25 memorial protests support'

Former Chief Justice David Maraga addressing journalists outside Vigilance House in Nairobi on June 16, 2025. (Photo: Justine Ondieki)

By Rachael Mutabasi
Friday, June 27, 2025

David Maraga claimed that the withdrawal came abruptly, despite his legal entitlement to police protection as a retired Chief Justice under the Retirement Benefits (Deputy President and Designated State Officers) Act.

Former Chief Justice David Maraga has accused the government of allegedly withdrawing his police security detail without prior notice, linking the move to his recent criticism of the police and participation in the June 25 protest march.

In a letter addressed to Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, Maraga claimed that the withdrawal came abruptly, despite his legal entitlement to police protection as a retired chief justice under the Retirement Benefits (Deputy President and Designated State Officers) Act.

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He said the officers had been assigned to him since his retirement on 12 January 2021 and that the services had been provided on request, as stipulated by law.

“On June 25, 2025, the very day I stood with the youth and families of those who died or went missing in last year’s tragic events, one of my security officers was unexpectedly instructed not to report for duty, but instead to go make a routine monthly entry in the firearm register. When he arrived that morning, he was suddenly informed of a training that was to take place on the same day. The following day, June 26, I was informed that the rest of my security detail had been directed to report back to their stations, without any further information,” said Maraga.

While acknowledging that officers are required to attend training, Maraga stated that such changes are typically made in consultation and with formal notice.

“I wish to remind the leadership of the Police and the Ministry of Interior and National Administration that the security arrangements and other facilitation by the National Police Service are benefits guaranteed under the Constitution and the law,” Maraga said. “Accordingly, I demand the immediate reinstatement of my security.”

He expressed concern that the move came shortly after he publicly called for the arrest and prosecution of senior police officers mentioned in connection with the death of Albert Ojwang, who allegedly died in police custody.

Maraga said the withdrawal raised questions about whether it was linked to his stance on police accountability.

“It is curious that my security officers were suddenly recalled immediately following my public criticism of the police leadership and my participation in the Nairobi CBD March on 25 June 2025.”

A total of 605 people were treated for injuries including gunshot wounds, stabbings, rubber bullet impacts, blunt force trauma, fractures, and rape—during Wednesday’s protests in Nairobi.

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and other emergency responders provided critical medical care to those in need on Wednesday. Of those treated, 97 individuals were referred to Kenyatta National Hospital and Mbagathi Referral Hospital for further care.

A further 139 people received treatment in triage at Kenyatta National Hospital, while 13 were treated at MSF's Lavender House clinic.

Three individuals were referred for specialised care related to sexual violence.

Earlier on, Amnesty International reported that sixteen people were killed during anti-government protests across Kenya on Wednesday, most of them by police.

Citing data from Amnesty International and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), Executive Director Irũngũ Houghton said the deaths verified by 9.00 pm on Wednesday included five shootings.