Former Chief Justice David Maraga has strongly condemned the violence witnessed during the return of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua from his visit to the United States, where journalists and ordinary citizens were attacked.

In a strongly worded statement shared via his official X account on Thursday, August 21, 2025, Maraga accused President William Ruto of presiding over an administration that allows “armed militias” to unleash violence on citizens, even as security forces stand by without intervention.

“I strongly condemn the use of violence against citizens and journalists during the return of the former Deputy President from his visit to the United States,” Maraga stated.

Safety of the nation

He warned that such acts undermine the safety and security of the nation and erode public trust in state institutions.

“President Ruto’s continued use of armed militias against citizens – as security forces watch without any action – continues to threaten the safety and security of the nation,” Maraga wrote on X.

The former Chief Justice, who has been an outspoken advocate for constitutionalism and a 2027 presidential hopeful, insisted that Kenya must urgently “reset and restore” itself to the rule of law.

“This is why I insist that we must urgently reset and restore our country to constitutionalism and the rule of law,” Maraga stated.

Rigathi Gachagua, who was impeached as Deputy President in October 2024, has remained a divisive figure in Kenya’s political landscape.

Gachagua’s convoy attacked

His return from the U.S. on Thursday, August 21, 2025, was marked by heightened tensions, with Gachagua’s convoy being attacked by goons, forcing police to intervene with tear gas to disperse crowds along the busy Mombasa Road.

Trouble deepened along Mombasa Road when unidentified goons hurled stones at vehicles in Gachagua’s convoy, shattering windscreens and sparking panic among motorists. The attack triggered traffic disruptions that left commuters stranded as security officers struggled to regain order.

Police responded by lobbing tear gas canisters to scatter the rowdy groups, further intensifying the confrontation. The heavy security presence did little to ease concerns, as rival groups clashed amid accusations of hired goons being used to disrupt the reception.

Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leaders had earlier condemned the attack, accusing state agencies of orchestrating violence to frustrate Gachagua’s political activities.