Maraga breaks silence as chaos overshadows by-elections
By Faith Lagat, November 27, 2025Former Chief Justice David Maraga’s sharp critique of Thursday’s chaotic by-elections has reignited conversation on Kenya’s fragile democratic space.
His remarks, posted on X on November 27, 2025, come after violence, tension and heavy security deployments were reported across several polling areas.
Erosion of institutions
Maraga directly tied the unrest to what he describes as the weakening of state institutions under President William Ruto’s administration.
“The electoral violence witnessed today, and indeed in the past few weeks, is unacceptable and must be condemned in the strongest terms.”
He argued that the government’s approach has undermined the independence of security agencies, warning that “the interference with the National Police Service and other independent institutions does not augur well for security and democracy.”
In an unusually blunt rebuke, Maraga questioned the President’s ability to protect citizens: “President Ruto’s government continues to confirm that he is unable and/or unwilling to carry out his foremost constitutional function – protecting citizens – a mark of a leader who has lost legitimacy to govern.”
His comments landed as incidents of clashes, arson, voter intimidation and confrontations with police were reported in Malava, Kasipul, Mbeere North and Narok Town Ward.
Alarm over democratic backslide
Siaya Governor James Orengo reinforced Maraga’s message, arguing that the country is drifting from the principles of the 2010 Constitution.
“We can’t be first world if, years after the Constitution of 2010, we can’t hold peaceful and fair elections.” He criticised the heavy police presence and allegations of hired goons, describing the political climate as corrosive. “The militarisation and ‘goonification’ of elections is an evil worse than ‘mlolongo’.”
Orengo also pointed to a worrying regional pattern, cautioning, “The East African neighbourhood is becoming or has become extremely intolerant and despotic.”
Concerns as counting continues
In Narok Town Ward, Jubilee candidate Josua Kaputa condemned alleged bribery at polling centres. “It is quite unfortunate that someone is dishing out money to voters before getting into a polling station. I urge voters not to be swayed by such actions but instead stick to the business of the day and vote for their preferred leader.”
In Mbeere North, UDA candidate Leonard Wamuthende addressed controversy over his identity documents, saying, “Wamuthende ni brand name, niko na Kitambulisho, niko na stakabadhi zote, niko na kitambulisho mpya, niko na Gazette notice ya kubadilisha.”
He added that he had provided the correct documents to electoral officials: “Hio ndio nilionyesha kwa IEBC wakati nilikuwa najisajili kwa sababu waliangalia kwa register wakanipata na nikawapatia stakabadhi mpya,” and signalled confidence: “Niko tayari kukubali matokea leo.”