NAIROBI, Kenya – Retired Chief Justice David Maraga has accused the government of illegally withdrawing his police security in what he believes is retaliation for his recent public criticism of the National Police Service.
In a letter dated June 27, 2025, and addressed to Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, Maraga demanded the immediate reinstatement of his police guards and drivers, which he says he is entitled to under law.
“The security arrangements and other facilitation by the National Police Service are benefits guaranteed under the Constitution and the law,” Maraga stated. “It is on this basis that I demand for the immediate restoration of my security.”
According to Maraga, the withdrawal began on June 25, the same day he joined families of victims of police brutality during a memorial march in Nairobi’s CBD.
One of his officers was reportedly told to make a routine entry in the firearm register, only to be sent for “training” without prior notice.
Letters to the IG and CS on the withdrawal of security officers assigned to the Office of the CJ Emeritus as per the law.
The rest were recalled the following day with no formal communication.
Maraga expressed concern over the timing, saying the move appears to be linked to his criticism of police leadership and demands for the arrest of senior officers implicated in the death of Albert Ojwang, a detainee who died under controversial circumstances while in police custody.
“It is curious that they were suddenly recalled after my public criticism of the police leadership and my participation in the Nairobi CBD March of 25 June 2025,” he wrote.
The former Chief Justice, who retired in January 2021, said he had enjoyed uninterrupted security for nearly five years, in line with provisions under the Retirement Benefits (Deputy President and Designated State Officers) Act.
He noted that the Act guarantees him access to police drivers and armed bodyguards upon request, and any changes to that arrangement should be communicated formally and transparently.
