NAIROBI, Kenya — Former Chief Justice David Maraga has sharply criticised Presidents William Ruto and Samia Suluhu Hassan over remarks suggesting a coordinated crackdown on youth across Kenya and Tanzania, warning of a growing threat to democracy in the region.
In a strongly worded statement shared on social media, Maraga said he was “deeply disturbed” by comments attributed to President Suluhu during President Ruto’s recent address to Tanzania’s National Assembly.
“It is regrettable that the two presidents are reported to have discussed coordinating efforts to ‘chapa mikwajo’ the Gen Z across Kenya and Tanzania. These remarks are abhorrent,” Maraga said.
The former Chief Justice framed his concerns within the broader context of East African judicial cooperation, recalling his tenure in office where he worked closely with regional counterparts to advance the rule of law.
He linked the alleged remarks to recent events in Tanzania, noting that they come shortly after President Suluhu received findings from a commission of inquiry into killings during and after the country’s October 2025 general election.
According to the report cited by Maraga, more than 518 people died—most from gunshot wounds—yet no individual has been held accountable.
“To date, not a single person has been held accountable,” he said, raising concerns about impunity within state security operations.
Maraga also referenced the case of Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan journalist Agather Atuhaire, alleging they were tortured while in Tanzania, with no action taken against those responsible.
“The perpetrators remain free,” he said.
The Presidential aspirant warned that such developments risk undermining democratic gains across the East African region, describing what he termed as an emerging “axis of tyranny.”
“Citizens of East Africa must speak up. The axis of tyranny that Presidents Suluhu and Ruto are constructing threatens to return our region to autocracy,” he stated.
Maraga further pointed to his past engagement in regional democracy efforts, including a solidarity visit to Dar es Salaam in May 2025, where he stood with Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu.
He argued that East Africa’s integration under the Jumuiya (community) framework cannot succeed if governments suppress dissent and violate fundamental rights.
“Our East African Jumuiya cannot advance while leaders suppress dissent and trample on the basic rights of our people,” he said.
