Former Chief Justice David Maraga on Wednesday made a surprise appearance at the ongoing Gen Z-led protests in Nairobi’s CBD, joining demonstrators marking the first anniversary of the deadly 2024 anti-Finance Bill marches.
Addressing journalists along Kimathi Street, Maraga urged the youth to remain peaceful and slammed the government’s decision to seal off Parliament Road, where families of victims had planned to lay wreaths in memory of those killed in last year’s brutal police crackdown.
“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,” said Maraga.
Maraga: Uphold the Constitution and Value Human Life
Now a 2027 presidential aspirant, Maraga said his participation in the protest was a gesture of solidarity with bereaved families and survivors of state violence.
“We want the Constitution to be respected. We want human life to have value. That’s all we are asking.”
He described the police blockade along Parliament Road as “extremely unfortunate,” especially given that mourners and protesters were merely seeking to honour their loved ones peacefully.
“Other than the excitement here, I don’t see any violence. These people are peaceful,” he added.
Protesters Blocked, Mothers Prevented from Mourning
Reports from the ground indicate that mothers and relatives of victims were blocked from accessing the Parliament precincts, where flower-laying ceremonies had been planned.
“We need to go and get the mothers from there,” Maraga told the youth, urging security forces to allow families to mourn.
Protests Mark One Year Since Deadly Finance Bill Demonstrations
The June 25 protests come exactly one year after the 2024 anti-Finance Bill demonstrations, in which at least 60 young people lost their lives, while dozens went missing or were injured during clashes with police.
This year’s protests are focused on police brutality, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and the continued lack of accountability from state institutions.
Thousands of youth have flooded Nairobi and other major towns, waving Kenyan flags, carrying placards, and chanting “Bado Mapambano!” in defiance of police presence.
Civil Society Raises Alarm Over State Infiltration
Maraga’s remarks come as civil society groups and opposition leaders accuse the government of deploying hired goons to infiltrate and discredit the Gen Z movement, which has become a powerful symbol of civic resistance in Kenya.
Security remains tight across Nairobi, with roadblocks, water cannons, and anti-riot police deployed around Parliament, State House, and other key government installations.
Conclusion
As tensions persist and more public figures like Maraga take to the streets, the Gen Z protests continue to shape Kenya’s political conversation around justice, human rights, and the future of civic engagement.