Former Chief Justice David Maraga has issued a strong message to Members of Parliament, urging them to uphold their constitutional responsibility and warning against what he described as silence in the face of growing concerns over governance and accountability.

Speaking in a statement shared on his X account on Monday, June 01, 2026, as part of his #MadarakaDay message, “This Republic still belongs to you“, Maraga argued that Parliament has a constitutional obligation to hold the Executive accountable.

“Kenyans did not fight for self-rule so that one man could dominate the Republic unchecked,” Maraga stated.

He further reminded lawmakers that the Constitution gave them oversight powers for a reason, saying those responsibilities should not remain symbolic.

“That power in the Constitution is not decoration. It is for a season exactly like this one,” he said.

Calls for MPs to act

Maraga stated that MPs hold key constitutional tools, including oversight powers, budget control and instruments of censure, and challenged legislators to exercise their mandate.

He also took aim at what he termed silence among leaders, warning that failure to act would amount to neglecting their constitutional duty.

“Your silence is not caution; it is betrayal of the oath you took,” he said.

His remarks come at a time of rising political temperatures, with criticism of the government increasing over governance issues, economic pressures and ongoing debates surrounding the Finance Bill 2026.

Impeachment debate gains momentum

Maraga’s statement also comes as Saboti MP Caleb Amisi intensified calls for the impeachment of President William Ruto.

Amisi recently argued that impeachment and opposition to the Finance Bill 2026 could happen simultaneously, dismissing claims that such efforts were a distraction.

“Impeachment is a constitutional safeguard against excessive misuse of power, and it is part of the democratic process,” Amisi said.

The lawmaker further urged Kenyans to pressure their representatives to take action, insisting that legislators would eventually have to take a clear position.

As political pressure builds, attention is now likely to shift toward Parliament and whether lawmakers respond to the growing calls for accountability and constitutional action.