Maraga: Protesters are peaceful, state must respect and value human life

Former Chief Justice David Maraga has called on the government to uphold the Constitution and respect the rights of citizens protesting against police brutality and human rights violations.

Speaking in Nairobi on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, Maraga joined Gen Z demonstrators in the streets during protests commemorating the deadly 2024 anti-Finance Bill marches.

He urged the youth to maintain peace and criticised the state for blocking access to Parliament Road, where families of victims had planned to lay wreaths in memory of those killed.

“These people are peaceful, and what I have told them—and I continue telling them—is to have a peaceful demonstration. That’s what is important,” Maraga said during an impromptu address to journalists along Kimathi Street.

The former CJ, who recently declared his 2027 presidential bid, said his participation in the protests was a show of solidarity with bereaved families and survivors of last year’s police crackdown.

“We want the Constitution to be respected. We want human life to have value. That’s all we are asking,” he said.

Maraga described as “extremely unfortunate” the move by police to seal off Parliament Road, thereby preventing mourners and protesters from accessing the area to honour their loved ones.

“Other than the excitement here, I don’t see any violence. These people are peaceful,” he said.

His remarks come amid growing concerns over the infiltration of protests by criminal elements.

Civil society groups and opposition leaders have accused the state of using hired goons to discredit the Gen Z-led movement, which has gained momentum across major towns in Kenya.

Maraga, while addressing a crowd of young demonstrators, reaffirmed his support for the cause and underscored the need for justice and national healing.

“We need to go and get the mothers from there,” he said, in reference to women reportedly blocked from accessing Parliament.

The protests, which mark the first anniversary of the June 2024 demonstrations, have drawn thousands of youth to the streets calling for an end to extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and lack of police accountability.

A heavy police presence was reported in Nairobi and other urban centres, with several access roads sealed off and security tightened around key government installations.