Maraga links sudden security recall to protest participation and police criticism
Maraga questioned the abrupt recall of his police security, which he says he has legally been entitled to since retiring in January 2021.
Former Chief Justice David Maraga has accused the government of withdrawing his security detail in what he believes is retaliation for his involvement in the June 25 protests commemorating victims of the deadly 2024 demonstrations.
In a letter dated June 27, 2025, and addressed to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, Maraga questioned the abrupt recall of his police security, which he says he has legally been entitled to since retiring in January 2021.
“Under the Retirement Benefits (Deputy President and Designated State Officers) Act, a retired Chief Justice is entitled to police security and drivers upon request,” Maraga wrote, citing the relevant legal provisions.
The former CJ revealed that during the protest day, one officer assigned to him was directed to skip duty and instead make a routine firearm register entry. Later, he was reportedly summoned for a training session scheduled on the same day without prior notice.
By Thursday, Maraga said he was informed that the remaining officers had also been recalled to their respective stations with no explanation or formal communication.
While acknowledging that training is part of police duty, Maraga stressed that protocol typically involves prior consultation, which he says did not happen in this case.
He expressed concern over the timing of the move, linking it to his recent public criticism of police leadership.
Maraga has previously spoken out against what he described as police mishandling of the investigation into the 2024 death of Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody under suspicious circumstances.
He has demanded the prosecution of senior officers implicated in the case.
“I’ve had these officers attached to me for nearly five years without disruption. It’s rather telling that they were pulled out days after I joined the protest march and spoke out against police conduct,” Maraga stated.
The move has raised fresh questions about the government’s treatment of dissenting voices and the independence of institutions tasked with upholding justice and accountability.
