Don't Send Kenya To Haiti: Maraga Warns Ruto

Former Chief Justice David Maraga has urged President William Ruto to take action against the recent infiltration of hired goons in protests, fearing that this risked turning Kenya into another Haiti, riddled with gangs.

Maraga, who has recently become one of President Ruto’s most outspoken critics, made his comments following an interdenominational memorial service at All Saints Cathedral on Sunday, June 22, held in honour of those who died during last year’s unrest. He urged the president to take a more active role in safeguarding citizens’ rights.

The former Chief Justice specifically pointed to the past week’s protests, where violent gangs attacked demonstrators in disturbing scenes.

Maraga warned that the president’s continued silence on such incidents could push the country toward a crisis similar to Haiti’s, where armed gangs have taken control of key cities, including the capital, Port-au-Prince.

"President Ruto, the ultimate security and welfare of the people of Kenya rest in your hands. Please don't send us to the state where Haiti is. When you allow goons to come and disperse peaceful demonstrators on the streets, you are sending us to Haiti," he addressed.

Daring President Ruto to speak out on the recent incidents of police brutality in the country, Maraga added, “Please stop that, you have the ability to stop. If you wanted to stop it, you would stop it even today.”

Following last week’s protests, many Kenyans were eager to hear the president’s response, especially after a protester was shot and severely injured by police in an incident that was captured on video.

Although President Ruto has not directly commented on the demonstrations, he recently struck a defiant tone toward his critics, suggesting that his administration is frequently targeted by what he called a series of “distractions.”

“I cannot be distracted; I am a man on a mission to transform this country … no amount of noise and propaganda will sway me from delivering on this agenda,” Ruto said during the Kenya Urban Forum in Naivasha. 

In addition to Maraga, the re-energised opposition has been sharply criticising President Ruto over the country’s current situation. In a strongly worded statement last week, they condemned what they described as the “brazen shooting of unarmed civilians.”

They also accused the National Police Service (NPS) of consistently violating both the Kenyan Constitution and international human rights standards.

Meanwhile, Kenyans are preparing for another round of peaceful protests on June 25, marking one year since the anti-Finance Bill demonstrations.

Ahead of the planned protests, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja distanced himself from the goons who attacked demonstrators the week before, pledging to ensure safety for all peaceful protesters.