Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has lashed out at former Chief Justices David Maraga and Willy Mutunga, urging them to stop engaging in what he termed as political activism and instead enjoy their retirement benefits quietly.

Kaluma, in a statement shared via his X account on Saturday, June 21, 2025, said Kenya has invested heavily in dignified retirement packages for top state officers, including presidents, vice presidents, prime ministers, speakers, and chief justices.

“All progressive countries keep good offices in eminent citizens to fall back on when the country faces a crisis. This is the reason we enacted laws creating good retirement packages for retired presidents, Vice/Deputy Presidents, Prime Ministers, Chief Justice and Speakers,” Kaluma stated.

According to him, the generous packages were not just for comfort but to keep the retired leaders neutral and available to guide the nation in times of crisis.

He noted that retirees such as Maraga and Mutunga receive 95 per cent of their last gross salary for life, diplomatic passports, international medical cover, three official vehicles renewed every four years, and a team of well-paid aides and staff.

He argued that with such benefits, these leaders should remain dignified and not engage in activism that could stir political unrest.

“These guys take home 95% of their last gross pay until they die, in addition to other benefits including diplomatic passes, international medical coverage, 3 vehicles renewed every 4 years, and several well-paid aides and workers. Let the beneficiaries of this facility appreciate why the country sacrifices for them and remain truly respectable,” the lawmaker declared.

Kaluma specifically took issue with recent actions by the two retired chief justices. He pointed to Mutunga’s return from Tanzania and accused him of being involved in actions that he believes border on undermining national stability.

He also criticised Maraga for appearing alongside newly admitted lawyers in courtrooms.

He warned that such public displays by former state officers risk turning them into political agitators rather than the national elders the country needs in difficult times.

Talking tough to govt

Both Mutunga and Maraga have been increasingly visible in public life in recent years, often positioning themselves as defenders of constitutionalism and human rights.

Mutunga, who served as Chief Justice between 2011 and 2016, has remained active in civil society spaces and has not shied away from criticising President William Ruto’s government.

He has accused the state of rolling back democratic gains and using the criminal justice system to suppress dissent.

Mutunga has also marched alongside protesters, condemned police brutality, and regularly published sharp commentaries calling out executive overreach.

Maraga, who succeeded Mutunga and served until 2021, is widely remembered for his bold move to annul the 2017 presidential election over massive irregularities, a historic decision that cemented his reputation for independence.

In recent months, he has become more vocal about governance, accountability, and the erosion of public trust in state institutions.

Just days ago, Maraga shook the political scene by officially declaring his intention to run for president in 2027. He positioned himself as a moral alternative, vowing to clean up what he described as the rotting core of the nation’s leadership.