Gen Z protest marks Kenya’s third liberation, says former CJ David Maraga
David Maraga said the current wave of protests carries the spirit of Kenya’s first and second liberations — from the fight against colonial rule to the battle against one-party dominance — and now reflects a generation defending the 2010 Constitution with their own lives.
Former Chief Justice David Maraga has described the Gen Z-led protests as a powerful rebuke to a government that he says has repeatedly trampled on rights and disregarded the Constitution.
In a statement ahead of the June 25 demonstrations, Maraga said the youth have awakened the nation with their courage, and their voices are demanding justice, dignity, and change.
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He said the current wave of protests carries the spirit of Kenya’s first and second liberations — from the fight against colonial rule to the battle against one-party dominance — and now reflects a generation defending the 2010 Constitution with their own lives.
“Just like the first liberation - the fight against the British colonialists - this generation of young people, the Gen Zs, has paid the ultimate sacrifice with their blood. Just like the second liberation - the fight against One Party Rule and Ukoloni Mambo Leo - this generation has fought to protect the Constitution of Kenya, 2010,” Maraga said.
He added that the youth are marching not just for themselves, but for fellow citizens who have been abducted, injured, tortured, or killed. According to him, their message is one of resistance and renewal.
Maraga warned the State against using violence to suppress peaceful demonstrations, saying such actions are unlawful and dangerous to national stability.
He cautioned against the deployment of security forces or militias to disrupt peaceful protests, insisting that this is a direct threat to constitutional order.
“The use of the nation's uniformed forces to disrupt peaceful demonstrations is also unconstitutional. The fundamental duty of the police service is to protect the people within our borders, and the military exists to protect the people beyond our borders. Any deployment of uniformed forces against peaceful people is unlawful. If it happens, as it has in the past, the Commander in Chief must be held accountable,” Maraga noted.
He criticised what he described as a rogue regime that continues to shed innocent blood and violate rights, warning that Kenya risks sliding into lawlessness if leaders are not held accountable.
Maraga urged young protesters to remain peaceful, obey the law, and keep emergency contacts close, especially those provided by the Law Society of Kenya.
“We stay committed to peace and justice. To resetting this country to the rule of law, restoring utu, and the value of human life,” he said.
He concluded by saying the youth are not alone in their call for change - the entire country and the world are watching closely.
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