Maraga decries lack of police training on human rights after protest violence
Former Chief Justice David Maraga has criticised the conduct of police officers during recent protests, saying their actions reflect a deep lack of understanding of human rights and constitutional policing.
Speaking during an interview on a local media station on July 15, 2025, Maraga expressed dismay over the violent handling of unarmed civilians by police, singling out the case of Boniface Kariuki, a 22-year-old mask vendor who was shot at close range in Nairobi during the June 25 protests.
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“One of the recommendations we made is that the police need a lot of training on human rights affairs,” Maraga said, referring to the police reforms task force he previously chaired.
“They don’t seem to be aware as to what they are supposed to do in such situations.”
Inhumane actions
Maraga termed the shooting of Kariuki as “shocking,” questioning the humanity and professionalism of the officer involved.
“Because to tear gas or to shoot an unarmed bystander like Boniface Kariuki is shocking. It’s shocking. You wonder whether that policeman is a human being or what,” he said.
The former Chief Justice emphasised that the close-range nature of the shooting demonstrated a clear disregard for human life, arguing that the officer must have known the potential consequences of their actions.
“Because the shooting at close range, you must have known that it was going to create serious injury, if not death. So for one to do that is really shocking,” he added.
Disregard for human life
The remarks build on an earlier X post by Maraga on June 30, 2025, where he called out the state for what he termed a reckless disregard for the sanctity of life.
“The point‑blank shooting of Boniface while selling masks underscores that no one is safe with a regime that is so irretrievably reckless and with zero regard for human life and dignity,” he wrote.
“This is a regime which has now fully demonstrated that it is unable to climb down to meet even the most basic demand of respecting the sanctity of human life,” he added.
Maraga urged Kenyans to unite and push for reforms that will restore dignity and adherence to the rule of law.
“Let us continue working together to reset, restore and rebuild Kenya to the rule of law and utu,” he reiterated.
