Hands off Maraga! Havi defends ex-CJ’s right to protest
Former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Nelson Havi has come to the defence of former Chief Justice David Maraga after he came under heavy criticism over his participation in the Wednesday, June 25, protest in the city.
Speaking in defence of his learned colleague, Havi called out those opposed to the Chief Justice’s involvement in advocating for good governance in the country, stressing that it is within the purview of his constitutional rights.
He specifically called out Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and his deputy, Gladys Shollei, who have come out to attack the retired chief justice.
“Wetang’ula and Shollei have realised the significance of alternative good leadership in Maraga. They have seen it in the man. It is why they want to suppress his candidacy for the presidency. That is that they want to demean his resolve. He is a Kenyan and entitled to vie for the presidency of Kenya and entitled to advocate for the rule of law,” he stated.
While lauding Maraga for his bold stance, the legal scholar challenged more like-minded people to come out and add their voices to the quest for better leadership.
“Maraga has attained wide acceptance from the entire Gen Z. It is imperative that well-meaning individuals like him come out of their comfort zones and push for reforms and good governance, vie for office, and get elected. It is the way we will get leadership of people who don’t take a statement of disapproval from people as hate,” he stated.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula on Friday, June 27, 2025, urged former Chief Justice David Maraga to restrain his participation in protests, stating that the act diminished the stature of his previous job.
Unnecessary participation
“I have respectfully urged Justice Maraga to refrain from engaging in activities that diminish the stature of the prestigious office he once held. His recent involvement in the Gen Z demonstrations in Nairobi was, in my view, unfortunate and unnecessary.”
He advised the former Chief Justice to focus his energy on being a role model for the youth, noting that the protests descended into violence, destruction of property and looting.
“As a learned friend whom I greatly respect, I believe Justice Maraga should serve as a role model for our youth that even in the agitation of their rights, the law must be adhered to,” Wetang’ula observed.
Guidance
“His participation in protests that later degenerated into looting and lawlessness not only undermined his dignity but also sent the wrong message to a generation looking up to him for guidance and inspiration.”
“I have called on him to desist from taking advantage of innocent young people to push personal or political agendas.”
