Maraga: Ruto turned Raila’s death into cover for signing controversial laws
By Kiprono Keileb, October 22, 2025Former Chief Justice David Maraga has accused President William Ruto of exploiting the nation’s grief over the death of Raila Odinga to quietly sign a series of controversial bills into law.
Speaking during a press briefing on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, Maraga expressed deep concern over the direction the country is taking, describing it as a betrayal of the democratic ideals that Kenyans, including Raila, fought so hard to achieve.
“We stand here today as Kenyans who are concerned about the trajectory that the country is taking, a trajectory that is a mockery of what Raila Odinga fought for, a mockery of the 2010 Kenyan Constitution that we collectively fought to have and swore to protect and implement,” Maraga said.
The former Chief Justice said that while the country was mourning Raila’s passing, the President was in State House signing what he termed as draconian bills.
“At the same time that the country was grappling with news of the demise of Raila Odinga, President Ruto was in State House signing not one but eight bills, some of which are quite draconian. What a shame that the President can be doing that while the country is in mourning,” Maraga stated.
He faulted the executive and the National Assembly for what he described as a deliberate move to undermine public trust and constitutional values. “We have carefully reviewed these bills approved by the National Assembly and signed by Ruto. Our questions are these: when will Kenya start working for its people? How dare the executive and the National Assembly boldly betray the nation and our sovereign will?” he posed.
Among the eight bills signed into law were:
- The National Land Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2023
- Land (Amendment) Bill, 2024
- Wildlife (Amendment) Bill, 2023
- Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Bill, 2024
- National Police Service Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2024
- Air Passenger Service Charge (Amendment) Bill, 2025
- Virtual Asset Service Providers Bill, 2025
- Privatisation Bill, 2025
Maraga’s remarks reflect growing discontent among some political and civil voices over the manner in which the bills were handled. His statement comes at a time when the country is still reeling from the death of Raila Odinga, a man widely regarded as one of the strongest defenders of democracy and constitutionalism in Kenya.
As Kenyans continue to mourn, Maraga’s criticism adds to mounting pressure on the government to explain why the bills were fast-tracked and signed in secrecy, during what many consider one of the nation’s darkest moments.