Former Chief Justice David Maraga has launched a scathing attack on President William Ruto’s administration, accusing it of presiding over constitutional violations and state-sanctioned violence against unarmed citizens, while calling for a people-driven process to demand accountability.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Maraga urged Kenyans to take the lead in seeking justice, placing the burden of response on the public, especially the youth. “We must commence a process to hold the President accountable for gross violations of the Constitution,” he said.

Maraga pointed out that although the Constitution protects a sitting President from prosecution, it provides mechanisms such as resignation or impeachment by Parliament as lawful avenues for removal. However, he said the issue at hand was far broader than the presidency.

“We must hold accountable all leaders of institutions that have failed in upholding the Rule of Law, including the National Police Service, the IG, DCI, IPOA, and the National Assembly,” he stated.

He accused the government of turning the police and military into tools of repression, targeting civilians during recent protests. “This failure is exemplified by the President’s abdication of responsibility, as his government oversees the weaponization of police and military against unarmed Kenyans,” he said.

The former Chief Justice condemned the deaths and injuries suffered during the protests, saying the violence was unacceptable and unjustified. He stressed the need for the country to return to the path of constitutionalism and justice.

Maraga also criticised the political class for ignoring the suffering of ordinary citizens, saying the youth have carried the burden of fighting for accountability.

“We must listen to the concerns of the young people who have paid a heavy price since last year,” he added.

He rejected any calls for elite political negotiations, warning that such deals, including the 2018 handshake between Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga, have never solved the country’s core problems. “This is not an inter-generational conflict, as others wish to frame it. Neither is it an ethnic or constitutional crisis requiring a referendum or yet another handshake. It is a failure of leadership,” he stated.

Maraga concluded by urging Kenyans to rally behind common voices that promote constitutional order, economic justice, and human dignity. He warned against accepting short-term political arrangements that only serve the elite while leaving citizens exposed to violence and poor governance.