Maraga's Security Withdrawn After Showing Up For June 25 Protests

Former Chief Justice David Maraga has issued a demand to the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, and the Ministry of Interior and National Administration over the withdrawal of security officers assigned to him.

This came just days after he joined protesters on the streets of Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) on June 25, 2025.

Writing to the two offices, Maraga claimed that his security was withdrawn as a consequence of publicly criticising the country’s police leadership.

"As you may well know, the benefits of a retired Chief Justice are provided for and protected under Section 5A as read with the First Schedule (paragraphs (a) and (h)) of the Retirement Benefits (Deputy President and Designated State Officers) Act, Cap. 1978 (Revised 2022). Under the 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. Since my retirement on 12 January 2021, I have had the services of armed guards and Police drivers, whom I requested for, from the National Police Service and was granted, as per the provisions of the Act cited above," he wrote in part.

"However, on 25 June 2025, the day I joined the youth and families of the victims who died and those who went missing from the events of a year ago, one of the officers attached to me was asked not to report for duty but instead go and make a routine (monthly) entry in the firearm register."

However, Maraga revealed that the officer was on the morning of June 26, notified of a training that was to take place on the same day.

"The following day, on 26th June 2025, I was informed that the rest of the security officers had been asked to report to their stations, without any further information," he added.

"While I understand that security officers on assignment are required to attend training from time to time, it is my understanding and past experience that such action is usually undertaken in consultation, and with prior formal communication to me."

Maraga went on to state that he has, in the public domain, spoken out on several occasions against how the police have carried out investigations into the controversial circumstances surrounding the murder of Albert Ojwang while in police custody.

He added that he specifically called for the arrest and prosecution of senior police officers who were mentioned in connection with the murder.

"I have enjoyed the services of the officers attached to my office for almost five years now, uninterrupted. 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," he continued.

He reminded 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, and it is on this basis that he is demanding the immediate restoration of his security.