Former CJ Maraga sounds alarm on Kenya’s democratic future
By Faith Lagat, September 15, 2025Former Chief Justice David Maraga has issued a stark warning on the state of democracy in Kenya, telling Kenyans that “democracy dies in silence.”
Speaking on Monday, September 15, 2025, at the University of Nairobi during an event organised in collaboration with ForumCiv to mark International Democracy Day, Maraga called for active citizen participation to safeguard democratic values.
In a post on X dated September 15, 2025, Maraga elaborated on his message, saying, “Democracy is defended by mothers who refuse to bury their sons in silence. It is defended by journalists who refuse to trade truth for comfort. It is guaranteed by young people who refuse to be told that their future is postponed indefinitely.”
Maraga has earlier pledged to respect the rule of law and uphold constitutionalism if elected the sixth president of Kenya in the 2027 general election.
Maraga, who has officially transitioned from the judiciary to politics, has declared his intention to unseat President William Ruto in the next presidential polls. Known for his integrity and landmark rulings, the former CJ is presenting himself as a reformist leader intent on restoring constitutional order and dignity in governance.
In his Tuesday, September 9, 2025, campaign message, Maraga outlined his vision of a Kenya rooted in justice and humanity.
“A future with me as president is a future where the Kenyans will be allowed to run their own affairs. We are going to have a country where the rule of law will be followed. We are going to have a country where we are going to be humane, give back humanity to Kenyans. That’s why I have said that my philosophy is to follow what the Constitution requires us to follow.” He said.
Echoes from leaders
Maraga’s warning mirrors concerns raised by other prominent figures. On May 12, 2025, former Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission chair PLO Lumumba, speaking on a local TV interview, praised Kenyans’ increasing tendency to question authority. “We have become a society that questions, and that is critical,” he said.
Lumumba hailed the 2024 Gen Z-led anti-government protests as a turning point, asserting, “Our young people conquered fear… the country has never been the same again,” and urged them to sustain momentum ahead of the 2027 elections.
Defenders of the constitution
The former Chief Justice has also consistently recognised defenders of Kenya’s 2010 Constitution. On Katiba Day, August 27, 2025, he honored those who died for constitutional reforms and praised Gen Z activists for reinvigorating constitutionalism. “You are forever our Mashujaa,” he declared, vowing to protect the Constitution if elected president in 2027.