Former Chief Justice Maraga Condemns Abductions

December 30, 2024 Nairobi, Kenya

Kenya’s former Chief Justice, David Maraga had added his voice to the growing calls for an end to abductions. In a statement released on his X account, the former CJ pointed out that the “killing, maiming and abductions of young Kenyans had “put to serious test” the institutions in the country.

He added that the protests that had taken place earlier in the year were “sparked by the erosion of basic dignity.” He said that the country needed to address the decline in vital sectors such as education and health. He added that there was a need to reset the economy, create decent jobs and to restructure the tax regime to one that is fair and sustainable.The r­emarks follow a string of high-profile abductions that have triggered widespread fear and outrage. Victims have included business leaders, activists and ordinary citizens, and some cases are linked to criminal gangs, but other motivations are murkier, reports suggest.

Maraga, whose tenure was characterized by his stiff defense of judicial independence, stressed on the need to make 2025 “the year of accountablity” for all those who had caused so much pain to Kenyans. He also added that it should be the year when constitutional values should become an “inseparable” part of Kenyan life.