Former Chief Justice and presidential aspirant David Maraga has spoken out following reports of violence across multiple polling stations during Thursday’s by-elections.
In a statement released on social media, Maraga described the unrest as “unacceptable” and called for strong condemnation.
Maraga criticized the interference with the National Police Service and other independent institutions, warning that such actions undermine both security and democratic processes in Kenya.
“The interference with the National Police Service and other independent institutions does not augur well for security and democracy,” he stated.
The former CJ further questioned the capacity of President William Ruto’s government to fulfill its constitutional duty of protecting citizens.
According to Maraga, the state’s inability or unwillingness to maintain law and order signals a leadership struggling with legitimacy.
“President Ruto’s government continues to confirm that he is unable and/or unwilling to carry out his foremost constitutional function—protecting citizens—a mark of a leader who has lost legitimacy to govern,” he noted.
Thursday’s by-elections come amid heightened tensions in several counties, with reports of clashes between supporters of rival political parties and local law enforcement.
Maraga’s statement aligns with growing calls from civil society and electoral observers for strict adherence to democratic norms and protection of voter safety.
Independent institutions, including the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), have repeatedly emphasized the importance of impartial security arrangements to ensure credible elections.
At the time of reporting, no official government response to Maraga’s statement had been issued. Security agencies continue to manage operations at affected polling centers, and investigations into the disturbances are ongoing.
The by-elections are widely viewed as a key test of Kenya’s electoral preparedness ahead of larger contests, including the 2027 general elections, with voter safety and institutional independence remaining central to public confidence in the democratic process.