MARAGA WARNS RUTO, REJECTS RAILA'S YOUTH DIALOGUE CALL

Former Chief Justice David Maraga has issued a stern warning to President William Ruto, cautioning that the International Criminal Court (ICC) could once again take interest in Kenya’s internal affairs if the government continues to respond to protests with excessive force.
Speaking during a legal forum in Nairobi on Sunday, Maraga expressed concern over what he termed as “increasing human rights violations” in the country amid recent anti-government demonstrations. He noted that the ICC “never really left Kenya,” and could re-engage if the situation escalates.
“We must not forget our past. When state agencies violate citizens' rights with impunity, it opens the door to international scrutiny. The ICC watches,” said Maraga, who served as Kenya’s 14th Chief Justice between 2016 and 2021.
His comments come as pressure mounts on the Ruto administration over alleged police brutality during protests led by youth groups against new tax measures and governance issues.
At the same event, Maraga also rejected ODM leader Raila Odinga’s recent call for structured dialogue between the government and young people, describing it as “a tactic that often leads nowhere.”
“Dialogue has become a political cliché in Kenya. What the youth need are results—not empty promises or drawn-out discussions,” he said.
Odinga had earlier called on President Ruto to engage youth leaders to find common ground and avoid further confrontations. However, Maraga insisted that the government should instead prioritize policy reforms, accountability, and justice.
The former CJ’s remarks have drawn mixed reactions online, with some praising his forthrightness and others accusing him of overstepping his retirement role.