Maraga: Ruto is hated more than any president before him

Former Chief Justice David Maraga has said that no Kenyan president has ever been hated like President William Ruto by Kenyans, warning that the country risks sliding into a failed state if laws are ignored.

Speaking during an interview on a local radio station on Monday, September 15, 2025, Maraga explained that the widespread dislike reflects deeper national challenges.

You might also like

News

Ruto apologises for Northern Kenya marginalisation in emotional Madaraka Day speech

KPL

Ruto congratulates Gor Mahia after FKF PL title triumph

News

Ruto painfully recalls losing firstborn son with wife Rachel

“Ruto sikifiri iko rais ambao watu wamechukia urais wake zaidi kama Ruto. Hio inakuambia mambo mengi sana,” he stated loosely, translating to: “In my view, there has never been a president whose leadership Kenyans have disliked more than Ruto’s. This says a lot about the many issues we are facing.”

Also Watch: Maraga Accuses Ruto of Violating Constitution Amid National Crisis

Reasons behind displeasure

The former chief justice highlighted that the public’s displeasure stems from failures across multiple sectors of government.

“In my view, there has never been a president whose leadership Kenyans have disliked more than Ruto’s. This says a lot because things are going wrong everywhere,” he said, pointing to governance, accountability, and policy implementation as key areas of concern.

Maraga cautioned that Kenya risks slipping into a failed state if laws are ignored and governance continues to falter.

Also Watch: Maraga outlines 4-point plan to restore rule of law after chaotic Saba Saba

“If we continue like this, it can very, very easily become a failed state. If laws are not followed, a country can quickly descend into failure,” he warned, emphasising that adherence to legal frameworks is critical for national stability.

He also cited recent polls showing that 75 per cent of Kenyans believe the country is heading in the wrong direction.

“Seventy-five per cent of Kenyans feel the country is heading in the wrong direction. The public’s displeasure with leadership is a serious signal that governance must improve,” Maraga noted.

Maraga further stated that he would halt the Affordable Housing Program spearheaded if elected as Kenya’s sixth president in the 2027 general election.

He noted that while many Kenyans are not opposed to the controversial Social Health Authority (SHA) initiative, their main concern lies with how the state handles public resources.