Maraga Accuses Ruto of Betraying Constitution and Raila’s Legacy by Signing “Draconian” Bills During National Mourning
Maraga Condemns Ruto’s Assent to “Unconstitutional” Bills, Says Laws Undermine Kenya’s Sovereignty
Nairobi, October 21, 2025 — Former Chief Justice David Maraga has sharply criticized President William Ruto’s decision to sign into law eight controversial Bills, describing the move as a “mockery” of Kenya’s Constitution and a betrayal of the values championed by the late Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga.
Addressing a press conference at PanAfric Hotel in Nairobi, Maraga—joined by civil society representatives and concerned citizens—expressed outrage that the laws were assented to even as the nation mourned the death of the opposition icon.
“At exactly the same time that the nation was grappling with the news of Raila Odinga’s demise, President Ruto was in State House signing into law, not one but eight Bills, some of which are quite draconian. What a shame!” Maraga declared.
Among the new laws signed include the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, the Privatisation Act, and amendments to the National Land Commission, National Police Service Commission, and Wildlife Conservation laws, among others.
Maraga warned that the changes to the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes law were “unconstitutional,” saying they hand sweeping powers to a government committee to shut down digital platforms and social media accounts without judicial oversight.
“This Committee can order the closure of any website, blog, Facebook, X, TikTok, YouTube or Instagram account for allegedly promoting illegal activities. That is a direct affront to free speech and media freedom,” he said, citing Articles 33 and 34 of the Constitution.
He also dismissed the Privatisation Act as an attempt to “auction” Kenya’s strategic public assets, warning that it grants the Treasury Cabinet Secretary unchecked powers to determine which entities can be sold without public or parliamentary scrutiny.
“Ruto’s government intends to privatise any public entity it wants unchecked until 2032. This is a dangerous scheme to strip Kenya of its sovereignty,” Maraga stated.
The former Chief Justice accused Parliament of abdicating its oversight role, saying MPs had become “mere voting robots programmed by the Executive.” He urged Kenyans to reject leaders “who betray their oath to protect the Constitution” and support legal challenges to block the enforcement of the new laws.
Maraga further questioned the government’s economic direction, pointing to rising public debt and a wave of privatisation he claimed benefits “crony capitalists and proxies of those in power.”
“The State is borrowing over five billion shillings per week and now wants to go on a quick-fire sale of public property. This is a betrayal of the people and a violation of the spirit of Article 1 of the Constitution, which clearly states that sovereignty belongs to the people of Kenya,” he said.
He concluded by urging unity and vigilance:
“Laws must protect, not endanger, Kenya’s future. Sovereignty belongs to the people — not Parliament, not the Executive, and not foreign investors.”
The statement comes amid rising political tensions and public anger following the death of Raila Odinga, a figure widely regarded as a defender of constitutionalism and democracy.
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