Maraga demands answers after armed group storms budget public participation forum
By Mustafa Juma, June 12, 2026Former Chief Justice David Maraga has condemned the violent disruption of a civil society-led public participation forum on the 2026/27 national budget, demanding a thorough investigation into allegations that government-linked individuals may have been involved in the incident.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Friday, June 12, 2026, Maraga described the events at All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi as an attack on constitutional rights and democratic governance, warning against the use of intimidation to silence public scrutiny of government spending.
Forum disrupted by armed group
According to Maraga, an organised group stormed the lawful civic gathering, terrorising participants and attempting to seize mobile phones from attendees.
The former Chief Justice argued that the incident was not a random act of lawlessness but appeared to be a coordinated effort aimed at disrupting a constitutionally protected public participation process.
He further cited reports that one of the persons of interest arrested following the disruption allegedly told police he had acted on instructions from a government official.
“I condemn in the strongest terms possible the violent disruption today of the Civil Society public participation forum on the 2026/2027 budget at All Saints Cathedral, Nairobi,” Maraga stated.
“What took place this morning was not a random act of lawlessness. Organised groups stormed a lawful civic gathering, terrorised participants, and attempted to seize their phones, and at least one arrested suspect has reportedly told police he was acting on the instruction of a government official. If true, this is not mere criminality. It is an assault on our Constitution itself!”
Calls for comprehensive investigations
Maraga urged the Inspector General of Police and other relevant authorities to conduct an impartial investigation and pursue all leads arising from the statements made by those arrested.
He cautioned against limiting investigations to low-level suspects while ignoring those who may have planned or financed the operation.
“I call on the Inspector General of Police and relevant authorities to pursue the arrested suspect’s statement to its conclusion wherever it may lead, however high it goes. Impunity thrives when investigations stop at the foot soldier,” he said.
The former Chief Justice emphasised that accountability must apply equally regardless of political status or office.
Defence of public participation
At the heart of Maraga’s statement was a defence of public participation, which he described as a constitutional right rather than a privilege granted by government.
He noted that public engagement in the budget-making process is essential to ensuring that public resources are allocated in line with citizens’ priorities and national needs.
“Public participation in the budget process is not a privilege that citizens must earn, nor a courtesy that can be withdrawn when scrutiny becomes uncomfortable. It is a constitutional right,” he said.
According to Maraga, any attempt to interfere with such forums undermines the principles of accountability and transparency enshrined in the Constitution.
The former Chief Justice also expressed concern over what he termed the growing use of “goons and armed militias” to suppress dissent and intimidate citizens.
He argued that the emergence of parallel security structures poses a threat to both democracy and national security.
“Those who send goons to silence that process are not protecting government. Instead, they are exposing its fear of accountability and creating parallel security structures which endanger the safety and security of Kenya,” he said.
Maraga maintained that Kenya’s democratic future depends on protecting citizens’ ability to freely express their views on public affairs without fear of intimidation or violence.
Solidarity with civil society
The former Chief Justice expressed solidarity with the civil society organisations that organised the forum, as well as citizens who attended to contribute their views on the budget.
He praised civic engagement as a critical pillar of constitutional democracy and encouraged Kenyans to continue participating in public affairs despite attempts at intimidation.
“I stand in full solidarity with the organizers of this event, civil society organisations, and every citizen who exercises their democratic right and civic duty to engage in public participation processes,” he said.